inspection
gb/ɪnspˈɛkʃən/ us/ɪnspˈɛkʃən/
B1
English
~ 3500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
action
1
careful check of condition or quality
When someone looks at something very carefully to see if it is good, safe, or correct.
Usage pattern:
an inspection of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'inspection' with 'introspection'; the latter means thinking about oneself, not checking something.
Synonyms
examination (More general; can refer to tests or studies, not only checking condition.)
|
review (Less detailed than inspection; often about documents or performance.)
Antonyms
neglect (Failure to check or care for something.)
Collocations
carry out an inspection
|pass inspection
|routine inspection
|safety inspection
|building inspection
Themes
business
|safety
|daily life
|work
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The restaurant failed its health inspection last week.
- Before buying the house, we arranged for a professional inspection.
- Customs officers carried out a thorough inspection of the luggage.
- The school undergoes an annual safety inspection.
- A surprise inspection caught several violations.
Learner examples
- The car passed its safety inspection.
- We had an inspection of the kitchen.
- The teacher did an inspection of our desks.
- An inspection showed the roof was broken.
Noun
technical
B2
action
2
official compliance check visit
When an official person comes to see if rules or laws are being followed.
Usage pattern:
an inspection by [authority]
Synonyms
audit (Usually refers to financial records; narrower in scope than inspection.)
Antonyms
approval (Indicates acceptance without further checking.)
Collocations
government inspection
|tax inspection
|military inspection
Themes
law
|business
|work
Examples
- The factory is preparing for an inspection by the environmental agency.
- Military inspections are held every month.
- The tax office announced a surprise inspection of several companies.
Learner examples
- The police did an inspection of the shop.
- We had an inspection from the fire department.
- The school had an inspection from the government.
Grammar
Dictionary form
inspection
IPA
GB/ɪnspˈɛkʃən/
US/ɪnspˈɛkʃən/
Syllables & stress
in - spec - tion (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (spec)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: inspection
- Plural: inspection, inspections
Word family
Expressions
fail inspection
1/fˈeɪl ɪnspˈɛkʃən/
fixed phrase
not meet standards after check
To be found not good, unsafe, or incorrect after being checked.
Examples
- The restaurant failed inspection due to poor hygiene.
- If the car fails inspection, you cannot drive it until it is fixed.
pass inspection
1/pˈæs ɪnspˈɛkʃən/
fixed phrase
meet standards after check
To be found good, safe, or correct after being checked.
Examples
- Our new product passed inspection and is ready for sale.
- The building must pass inspection before people can live in it.
under inspection
1/ˈʌndɚ ɪnspˈɛkʃən/
fixed phrase
being checked carefully now
Being looked at carefully now to see if it is good, safe, or follows rules.
Examples
- The bridge is currently under inspection after the earthquake.
- The documents are under inspection by customs officials.