vetting

American  

[vet-ing] / ˈvɛt ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or process of appraising or checking a person or thing for suitability, accuracy, or validity.

   The quality of a competitive jazz festival is contingent upon the vetting and hiring of experienced judges, which must be done far in advance.

2. the act or process of examining or treating an animal in one’s capacity as a veterinarian.

   At this shelter we are passionately dedicated to the rescue, vetting, and homing of orphaned pets.

3. the occupation or work of a veterinarian.

   After 30 years of vetting, I sometimes struggle through my morning consults just to collapse in a chair before my afternoon surgery list.

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adjective

1. appraising, verifying, or checking something.

   The appointing authority (the Executive) and the vetting institution (Parliament) should scrutinize appointments so only those with the needed skills are appointed to diplomatic posts.

Etymology

Origin of vetting

First recorded in 1885–90; vet ¹ + -ing ¹ for the noun senses; vet ¹ + -ing ² for the adjective sense

Example Sentences

Last week, Sir Philip's successor at the Foreign Office Sir Olly Robbins said Downing Street had been "dismissive" of the vetting process.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Later Sir Keir will face a vote by MPs on whether there should be a parliamentary investigation over his claims about the vetting of Lord Mandelson.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Before Lord Mandelson was appointed, a due diligence check - a separate process to the security vetting - was carried out by a team at the Cabinet Office and sent to the prime minister.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

However, Sir Philip denied that this affected the substance of the vetting case.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

In vetting him for the job, his trainer neglected to look at his sister, a local basketball phenom.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand