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validation

val-ih-DEY-shuhn /ˌvælɪˈdeɪʃən/

nounC1GREGMATTOEFL

TechnicalScientificAcademic

The action of checking or proving the validity or accuracy of something, specifically ensuring a system meets the user's actual needs.

Often paired with verification. Verification asks 'Did we build the system right?' while validation asks 'Did we build the right system?'

The story behind the word. Validation is the process of proving that a design is 'strong' enough to perform its intended real-world job.

Word relationships

verification: Verification checks compliance with specifications, while validation checks if the product actually works in the real world.

invalidation: The act of rendering something invalid, worthless, or officially void.

Commonly confused with

confirmation: Confirmation is a general statement of truth, while validation is a rigorous, structured process of proof.

Word family

validate (verb): To check or prove the validity of.
valid (adjective): Having a sound basis in logic or fact; legally binding.

Collocations

clinical validation
data validation
undergo validation
process validation

Example sentences

"Before the medical device could be sold, it had to undergo clinical validation to prove it was safe for patients." Medical device testing

Memory hook

Think of validating a parking ticket—it proves you are worthy of leaving without paying because you actually used the services. Proving it works in the real world.

When not to use

Do not use validation when you simply mean checking a spelling error (that is proofreading or verification).

Fun facts

In software engineering, input validation prevents hackers from injecting malicious code into web forms.