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aptitude test

American  

noun

  1. any of various tests given to measure abilities, as manual dexterity, visual acuity, reasoning, or verbal comprehension, and used to assist in the selection of a career.


aptitude test British  

noun

  1. a test designed to assess a person's ability to do a particular type of work

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of aptitude test

First recorded in 1920–25

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

After failing an aptitude test with tech company IBM as a young man in Hackney, east London, he started selling car aerials from a van, and later transistor radios.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2025

Mr. Andes joined the Army with a college degree and top scores on the military aptitude test.

From New York Times • May 2, 2024

As part of the process, the Army will use a new aptitude test designed to identify soldiers who have a higher potential for being successful recruiters.

From Washington Times • Oct. 3, 2023

She told me that she once took an aptitude test that suggested she become either a mechanic or a missionary.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2022

In the room is a reclining metal chair, similar to the one I sat in during the aptitude test.

From "Divergent" by Veronica Roth