verification

American  

[ver-uh-fi-key-shuhn] / ˌvɛr ə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of verifying.

2. the state of being verified.

3. evidence that establishes or confirms the accuracy or truth of something.

   We could find no verification for his fantastic claims.

4. a formal assertion of the truth of something, as by oath or affidavit.

5. the process of research, examination, etc., required to prove or establish authenticity or validity.

6. Law. a short confirmatory affidavit at the end of a pleading or petition.

---

verification British  

/ ˌvɛrɪfɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. establishment of the correctness of a theory, fact, etc

2. evidence that provides proof of an assertion, theory, etc

3. law

   1. (formerly) a short affidavit at the end of a pleading stating the pleader's readiness to prove his assertions

   2. confirmatory evidence

---

Other Word Forms

• nonverification
  noun
• preverification
  noun
• reverification
  noun
• unverificative
  adjective
• verificative
  adjective
• verificatory
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of verification

1515–25; < Medieval Latin vērificātiōn (stem of vērificātiō ), equivalent to vērificāt ( us ) (past participle of vērificāre; see verify, -ate ¹) + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

Verification is an extra or final bit of proof that establishes something is true. To verify something is to make sure it's correct or true, so verification is an action that establishes the truth of something. Checking an ID is a verification of your age. Your bank will often ask for part of your social security number as verification of your identity. Scientists do research to establish verification for their theories. In all cases, verification is like a stamp of approval.

Example Sentences

It is about how probabilistic predictions can become standardized operational decisions absent further verification.

From Salon • May 12, 2026

Key measures include enforcing strict age verification, creating "safe" youth versions, and removing addictive algorithms.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

Meta is expanding AI age verification to 27 EU countries, Brazil, and Facebook in the US, UK, and EU to detect underage users.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

Spotify is adding a new level of verification to artists’ profiles, in an effort to reassure subscribers worried about AI-generated music.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

"I'm sorry, sir," he said, "but do you have some verification of your age? Your driver's license, perhaps?"

From "The Catcher in the Rye" by J. D. Salinger