What does scrutiny mean?
Scrutiny means a close, careful, and usually critical examination of something. It is used when a person, organization, decision, proposal, or issue is being considered in detail, often by people seeking to find weaknesses, errors, or hidden problems. The phrase “under scrutiny” is especially common and means that something is currently being examined closely. Scrutiny can suggest impartial investigation, but it frequently has a negative or skeptical connotation, implying that the subject faces doubts or challenges. The word is common in journalism, politics, law, business, and academic discussion. Its usefulness lies in expressing the idea of intense attention: a brief look is an observation, whereas scrutiny implies sustained and exacting examination.
nounCareful and critical examination of something, especially an issue, proposal, or person. It often implies that the subject is being assessed closely and skeptically.
- Careful, critical examination of a person, situation, issue, or proposal.
"The proposal came under intense scrutiny after details of the funding arrangement were made public."
"The company’s finances have been under close scrutiny since the announcement of the merger."
"The new policy was subjected to rigorous scrutiny by members of parliament."
The plural is grammatical but uncommon; writers usually express the idea using “scrutinies of” or repeated singular references.
"The independent scrutinies found no serious errors in the accounts."
From a Latin word associated with searching to a modern synonym for intense public examination, scrutiny has spent centuries looking closely.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scrutiny come from?
The English word comes from Latin scrutinium, meaning “search” or “inquiry,” which developed from the Latin verb scrutari, “to search.” The word entered English in the early 17th century and initially referred to searching or investigation. It later broadened to mean close examination, and it is associated cognately with forms such as scrutinize and scrutinous.
Related word forms
How scrutiny is actually used
Generally formal and often serious in tone. It can suggest neutral investigation, but more commonly conveys critical, skeptical, or even hostile attention.