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.

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aptitude test British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of aptitude test

First recorded in 1920–25

Compare meaning

How does aptitude-test compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• achievement test vs. aptitude test

Example Sentences

After her divorce, she went to Indiana University Southeast to sit for an aptitude test.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

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

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

Troops without a diploma are more likely to get a second chance if they do well on an Army aptitude test.

From New York Times • Sep. 21, 2018

She took an aptitude test in which she answered questions which seemed silly—which weighs the most, a pound of lead or a pound of feathers, was an example.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith