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inspectorate

American  
[in-spek-ter-it] / ɪnˈspɛk tər ɪt /

noun

  1. the office or function of an inspector.

  2. a body of inspectors.

  3. a district under an inspector.


inspectorate British  
/ ɪnˈspɛktərɪt /

noun

  1. the office, rank, or duties of an inspector

  2. a body of inspectors

  3. a district under an inspector

"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 inspectorate

First recorded in 1755–65; inspector + -ate 3

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.

"Where a police force is failing the public, there must be a clear, fair system to make sure concerns are acted upon. The inspectorate is a vital part of that system," he said.

From BBC

And England's education inspectorate, Ofsted, will give tougher guidance to schools to reduce phone use - including telling staff not to use their devices for personal reasons in front of pupils.

From BBC

This practice is expected to change under new legislation as part of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, with the inspectorate given stronger powers to impose fines on the unregistered homes.

From BBC

The police inspectorate has concluded the leaders of West Midlands Police fell foul of "confirmation bias".

From BBC

It was then considered by the planning inspectorate but in November 2025 the Welsh government confirmed it would not call the application in.

From BBC