Definition

1. Noun:
   • A formal or official examination: The act of looking at something carefully and critically, often according to established standards or procedures, to assess its condition, quality, or compliance.
   • The process of reviewing or scrutinizing: A detailed and methodical check, typically conducted by an authority or expert.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The building failed the safety inspection. (The building did not meet the required standards during the official safety check.)
  • A routine inspection of the equipment is conducted monthly. (A regular, scheduled examination of the equipment is performed every month.)
  • The general conducted an inspection of the troops. (The general performed a formal review of the soldiers' readiness and appearance.)

Advanced Usage

• "To be under inspection": to be in the process of being formally examined.
  • The factory is under inspection by health officials. (The factory is currently being examined by health authorities.)
• "To carry out an inspection": to perform or conduct a formal examination.
  • The agency will carry out an inspection next week. (The agency will perform an official examination next week.)
• "To pass/fail inspection": to meet or not meet the required standards during an official check.
  • The restaurant passed its health inspection with flying colors. (The restaurant met all health standards exceptionally well during the official check.)

Variants and Related Words

• Inspect (verb): to look at something carefully and critically, especially in an official capacity.
  • The mechanic will inspect the car's brakes.
• Inspector (noun): a person whose job is to inspect something officially.
  • The building inspector issued a violation notice.

Synonyms

• Examination: A detailed inspection or investigation.
• Review: A formal assessment or examination of something with the possibility or intention of instituting change if necessary.
• Audit: An official inspection of an organization's accounts, typically by an independent body.
• Scrutiny: Critical observation or examination.

Related Phrases

• Spot inspection: An unannounced or random examination.
  • The manager performed a spot inspection of the warehouse. (The manager conducted a sudden, unannounced check of the warehouse.)
• Visual inspection: An examination using only the eyes, without special instruments.
  • A visual inspection revealed a crack in the foundation. (A look with the naked eye showed a crack in the foundation.)

Idioms

• The inspection of the guard: A formal military ceremony for reviewing troops.
  • The new officer presided over the inspection of the guard. (The new officer led the formal military review of the sentries.)

Noun

1. a formal or official examination
   • the platoon stood ready for review
   • we had to wait for the inspection before we could use the elevator