English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun Common

detection

dih-TEHK-shuhn
Quiz me More like this

Detection (noun) means the act or process of discovering something hidden, disguised, or not previously known. Example: “The detection of a hidden leak saved the school a great deal of repair work.”

noun
1
The act or process of discovering something hidden, disguised, or not previously known.
"The detection of a hidden leak saved the school a great deal of repair work."
"Early detection greatly improves cancer survival rates."
"The software is designed for fraud detection."

How to use detection

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe process of finding or noticing something that was hidden or unknown.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
early detection fraud detection escape detection
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like detection.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice

Word forms

Plural
detections
Test yourself on “detection” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ of a hidden leak saved the school a great deal of repair work.

Etymology

From Latin detectio, from detegere, "to uncover".

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for detection

See all rhymes for detection →

Frequently asked questions

What does “detection” mean?
The word “detection” means the act or process of discovering something hidden, disguised, or not previously known. In plain terms, the process of finding or noticing something that was hidden or unknown.
How do you pronounce “detection”?
“Detection” is pronounced dih-TEHK-shuhn (/dɪˈtɛk.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “detection” in a sentence?
Here is “detection” used in a sentence: “Early detection greatly improves cancer survival rates.”
What is another word for “detection”?
Words with a similar meaning to “detection” include demodulation.
What part of speech is “detection”?
“Detection” is a noun.
Where does the word “detection” come from?
The word “detection” comes from Latin. From Latin detectio, from detegere, "to uncover".
Is “detection” a common word?
“Detection” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between detection and discovery?
Detection is the act or process of discovering something hidden, disguised, or not previously known, and it usually implies deliberate searching or monitoring, often with instruments. Discovery is the broader word for finding anything new, from a fact to a continent. Fraud detection is a process; the discovery of fraud is the result.

People also searched