Audit
UK /["/ˈɔːdɪt/"]/US /["/ˈɔːdɪt/"]/
Definition
an official examination of business and financial records to see that they are true and correct
In simple words: An official check of financial accounts.
Examples
- an annual audit
- a tax audit
- preparing the accounts for audit
- an environmental audit
Usage notes
Primarily used in formal contexts, such as business or finance. Avoid using informally or casually as it can appear unprofessional.
Grammar pattern
audit + object
Memory hint
Sounds like 'odd-it' — imagine accountants checking odd numbers for errors.
Collocations
- financial audit
- audit report
- internal audit
- audit trail
- conduct an audit
Synonyms
- review
- inspection
- evaluation
- assessment
- examination
Antonyms
- ignore
- neglect
- overlook
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'audience' — they have different meanings.
- Using 'audit' as a verb incorrectly — it should be 'to audit' not 'audit' alone.
- Overgeneralizing the term — not all reviews or checks are audits.