audit
AW-diht
Audit (noun) means an official, careful check of financial records or of a system to make sure everything is accurate and follows the rules. Example: “The school passed its safety audit with only minor comments.”
noun
1
An official, careful check of financial records or of a system to make sure everything is accurate and follows the rules.
"The school passed its safety audit with only minor comments."
"The company failed its annual audit after auditors found missing invoices."
"A security audit revealed several weak passwords across the network."
verb
1
To carry out such a check.
"Inspectors will audit the hospital's records later this year."
"Our team audits every supplier to make sure they follow the rules."
"An outside firm was brought in to audit the charity's accounts."
2
To attend a university course without earning credit for it.
"She audited a pottery class at the local college for fun."
"Students may audit the course, but they won't receive a grade."
"He audited the philosophy lecture just out of curiosity."
How to use audit
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA thorough check-up of records or systems for accuracy — or, informally, sitting in on a class without taking it for credit.
Common pairings
financial audit
security audit
audit trail
audit a course
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Word forms
- Plural
- audits
- Third person singular
- audits
- Past tense
- audited
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The school passed its safety _____ with only minor comments.
Etymology
From Latin audire, "to hear" — because early financial examinations were reported aloud and the examiner literally listened to them.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “audit” mean?
The word “audit” means an official, careful check of financial records or of a system to make sure everything is accurate and follows the rules. In plain terms, a thorough check-up of records or systems for accuracy — or, informally, sitting in on a class without taking it for credit.
How do you pronounce “audit”?
“Audit” is pronounced AW-diht (/ˈɔːdɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “audit” in a sentence?
Here is “audit” used in a sentence: “The company failed its annual audit after auditors found missing invoices.”
What part of speech is “audit”?
Depending on how it is used, “audit” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “audit” come from?
The word “audit” comes from Latin. From Latin audire, "to hear" — because early financial examinations were reported aloud and the examiner literally listened to them.
Is “audit” a common word?
“Audit” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “audit” have?
“Audit” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an official, careful check of financial records or of a system to make sure everything is accurate and follows the rules.
What is the difference between an audit and an inspection?
Both are careful official checks, but an audit examines records and systems — most often financial accounts — to confirm they are accurate and follow the rules. An inspection more typically examines physical things, such as premises, vehicles, or equipment, for condition and safety.
What is the difference between an audit and a review?
An audit is an official, careful check of financial records or of a system to verify accuracy and compliance with the rules. A review is usually a less formal or less exhaustive look at the same material, so an audit provides a stronger level of assurance.
Do you "do," "conduct," or "perform" an audit?
All three occur, but "conduct an audit" and "carry out an audit" are the most idiomatic in formal writing. The party being checked is said to "undergo an audit" or to "be audited."
