in ‧ spec ‧ tion W3 AC /ɪnˈspekʃ ə n/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable and countable]
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ inspection , ↑ inspector ; verb : ↑ inspect ]
1 . an official visit to a building or organization to check that everything is satisfactory and that rules are being obeyed
inspection of
regular inspections of the prison
An inspection was carried out at the school.
tour of inspection (=an official visit to inspect something)
2 . a careful examination of something to find out more about it or to check for anything wrong
for inspection
Copies of the documents are available for inspection (=people can look at them) at local libraries.
(on) close/closer inspection (=when looked at in detail)
However, on closer inspection, a number of problems emerged.
Close inspection of the plane’s engines revealed several small defects.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + inspection
▪ a careful/detailed inspection
The architect has now made his detailed inspection of the building.
▪ a full inspection
A full inspection of the site is due to be conducted.
▪ a cursory inspection formal (=a very quick and not very careful inspection)
He made only a cursory inspection of the truck.
▪ an official inspection
Preparations were made in advance of the official inspection.
▪ a routine inspection (=an ordinary inspection that happens regularly)
A routine inspection revealed that several lorries were not roadworthy.
▪ a daily inspection
A young airman had carried out the daily inspection of the instruments.
▪ an annual inspection
The aircraft was due for its annual inspection.
▪ regular/frequent inspections
Restaurants are subject to regular health and safety inspections.
▪ a safety inspection
A safety inspection was carried out on the boiler system.
▪ a school inspection
The arrangements for school inspections have been greatly improved.
▪ a weapons inspection (=to see what weapons someone has)
The government has agreed to allow UN weapons inspections in the country.
▪ a medical inspection
Schoolchildren had to undergo a compulsory medical inspection.
■ verbs
▪ carry out an inspection
Engineers had carried out an inspection on the plane.
▪ conduct an inspection formal (=carry out an inspection)
He was conducting an inspection in the factory.
▪ do an inspection informal:
We did the inspection last Friday.
▪ complete/finish an inspection
The inspection was completed and the relevant forms filled in.
▪ pass an inspection
The supermarket can only trade if it passes the cleanliness inspection.
▪ fail an inspection
He couldn’t join the army because he failed the medical inspection.
▪ an inspection reveals something
The inspection revealed several lapses in safety standards.
■ inspection + NOUN
▪ an inspection visit
To date no inspection visit has been made.
▪ a tour of inspection (=an official visit to inspect something)
Morris took off on his tour of inspection.
▪ an inspection team
The inspection team described the 1,688 pupil school as ‘outstanding’.