adjudication

American  

[uh-joo-di-key-shuhn] / əˌdʒu dɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. an act of adjudicating.

2. Law.

   1. the act of a court in making an order, judgment, or decree.

   2. a judicial decision or sentence.

   3. a court decree in bankruptcy.

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Other Word Forms

• nonadjudication noun
• readjudication noun

Etymology

Origin of adjudication

First recorded in 1685–95, adjudication is from the Late Latin word adjūdicātiōn- (stem of adjūdicātiō ). See adjudicate, -ion

Example Sentences

The Tesla case also subtly revealed how certain corporate-governance ideas long debated in academic circles but rarely used in practice have begun to influence the Delaware courts’ adjudication.

From Barron's • Jan. 14, 2026

"The family's essential purpose in taking the trip, to enjoy snow-based activities, was defeated," the final adjudication read.

From BBC • Jun. 30, 2025

The defining attribute of a dictatorship, as well as of kingship in its ancient and absolute form, is the assertion that law—its making, interpretation, adjudication, and enforcement—is an emanation of the will of one man.

From Slate • Feb. 21, 2025

Still, success rates are low for other veterans seeking an upgrade: The Naval Discharge Review Board granted relief to only 33% of claims with a mental health adjudication between April and June 2024.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 11, 2024

But within a year, California probation authorities ordered him to return to Los Angeles because he was on probation following his adjudication as a ward of the court for a prior offense.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson