What does vetting mean?
Vetting means examining a person or thing carefully and critically before making a decision or granting approval. It is used for jobs, applications, investments, security credentials, publications, and other situations in which suitability or reliability must be established. As a verb, it describes the act of carrying out these checks; as a noun, it names the process itself. The word suggests more than a casual glance: vetting normally involves comparing relevant details, assessing risks, and deciding whether a candidate should proceed. In employment, “vetting candidates” commonly refers to checking references, qualifications, work histories, or background information. In security contexts, it can include examining records or investigating concerns. The expression is neutral in tone, although its association with careful scrutiny can sometimes imply that doubts about a candidate are being tested. Overall, vetting is a useful term for a systematic process of evaluation that stands between a person or proposal and final acceptance.
To examine a person or thing carefully and critically before approving, hiring, or accepting it.
"The panel vetted each finalist before making its recommendation."
Common in professional and institutional contexts, especially recruitment, security, publishing, and finance.
The act or process of examining and assessing a person or thing carefully before approval or acceptance.
"The vetting of incoming contractors is handled by the compliance team."
Often used with “process,” “applicants,” “candidates,” or “employees.”
The plural is uncommon because the process is often treated as a mass noun.
"The organization conducted separate vettings for its two senior appointments."
From checking the health of horses to checking the credentials of job applicants, vetting has become shorthand for rigorous scrutiny.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does vetting come from?
Vetting developed from the verb “vet,” which is associated with veterinary medicine and ultimately with Latin veterinus, meaning “of or relating to beasts,” from vetus, “old.” The word was extended beyond examining animals to the broader sense of inspecting something critically. Its modern use for scrutinizing candidates, credentials, and proposals follows that broader development.
Related word forms
How vetting is actually used
Usually neutral to formal, though it can suggest especially thorough or distrustful scrutiny. It is common in professional contexts such as recruitment, security, publishing, finance, and public service.
Easily confused with vetting
Vetting means examining someone or something carefully, whereas vetoing means rejecting or blocking a decision or proposal.