validation

American  

[val-i-dey-shuhn] / ˌvæl ɪˈdeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of confirming something as true or correct: You will be prompted to enter your new password a second time for validation.

   The new method is very promising but requires validation through further testing.

   You will be prompted to enter your new password a second time for validation.

2. the act of officially or legally certifying or approving something.

   The proposal will be prioritized and put into action after it undergoes validation by the government.

3. the act of affirming a person, or their ideas, feelings, actions, etc., as acceptable and worthy.

   Recognition and validation of minority cultures by classroom teachers is crucial to student wellbeing and success.

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Other Word Forms

• nonvalidation
  noun
• revalidation
  noun

Etymology

Origin of validation

valid(ate) ( def. ) + -ation ( def. )

Explanation

Validation is making sure that something is true. Even if you know you're a great poet, you may still long for the validation of being awarded a literary prize or having a volume of your poems published by a respected press. Your winning lottery ticket may require validation — lottery officials have to check it to make sure it's not counterfeit and that you really do have the winning numbers. The word validation is formed from the Latin word for "strong," validus, and validation makes something strong. You may claim that you've danced more tango turns than anyone else in the history of the world, but you'll have to wait for someone from Guinness World Records to give your claim validation.

Example Sentences

Validation slows everything down: AI outputs look convincing, even when they’re wrong.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

To speed up the latter, the government plans to set up a Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods.

From BBC • Nov. 11, 2025

She collaborated on a later edition of “The Validation Breakthrough” with Ms. de Klerk-Rubin.

From New York Times • Jan. 24, 2024

Validation that Wagner still has it came later Wednesday when he was one of three Seahawks named to the Pro Bowl along with safety Julian Love and rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 3, 2024

Validation Those who may be feeling alone in their struggles can often find the validation they need, Wallerich-Neils said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 5, 2022

Related Words

• acceptance
• affirmation
• authorization
• corroboration
• endorsement
• proof
• recognition
• verification