WordGarden.iojudgment
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /dʒˈʌdʒmənt/
US
- /ˈdʒədʒmənt/
Meanings
Noun
the ability to make sensible decisions
an opinion or conclusion formed after considering something
critical or condemnatory evaluation of someone
More meaningsFewer meanings
an official decision made by a court or judge
divine assessment or punishment
Beyond the definition
Judgment is not just about deciding whether someone did something wrong. It is the ability to make sensible decisions and form fair opinions. You show good judgment when you think carefully before acting, like when choosing a job or handling a difficult situation. The word can also mean the opinion itself. A harsh judgment can hurt someone, while good judgment is often respected. In law, it can mean the formal decision made by a judge in court.
The word "judgment" has several connected meanings, and all of them relate to forming an opinion or making a decision. At its core, it is the process of looking at information and reaching a conclusion. This can be a careful, thoughtful assessment, like when a mechanic studies the signs of a problem before deciding what is wrong. That is an example of good judgment.
But the word also refers to the opinion or evaluation itself, which is the result of that process. A "snap judgment" is a quick opinion, often made without enough thought. To "reserve judgment" means to wait before deciding what you think. To pass judgment on someone often suggests criticism or disapproval.
The word is also common in legal language, where it means the formal decision of a court. A judge may give a judgment after hearing the facts and applying the law. In some religious writing, it can also refer to divine justice or God's final decision about people.
You will see "judgment" in everyday speech, in legal contexts, and in religious or moral discussions. It can describe a person's ability to decide wisely, the opinion they form, or an official ruling from a court. So whether the word points to good sense, a personal view, or a legal decision, it always centers on weighing things and reaching a conclusion.
Examples
- 1
Everyday choice
I trust Mia's judgment when we have to choose a restaurant.
- 2
Forming opinions
Try not to make a judgment about him before you hear the whole story.
- Patternmake a judgment about + person/thing
form an opinion after thinking about it
- 3
Sports decision
The coach showed good judgment by resting the injured player.
- 4
Email tone
Use your own judgment about how formal the email should be.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Mental clarity
Lack of sleep can affect your judgment.
- 6
Personal opinion
In my judgment, the plan is too risky for such a small team.
- Phrasein my judgment
in my opinion, after thinking carefully
- 7
Court decision
The final judgment in the case came two months later.
- Domain
in law, a judgment is an official decision by a court
- 8
Hard decision
It was a difficult judgment call, but we decided to cancel the outdoor event.
- Phrasea judgment call
a decision with no clearly right answer
- 9
Risky agreement
Against my better judgment, I agreed to lend him more money.
- Phraseagainst your better judgment
even though you think it is probably a bad idea
- 10
Criticism
I don't want to pass judgment on their choices.
- Patternpass judgment on + person/thing
criticize or decide whether they are right or wrong
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- good judgment
- poor judgment
- exercise judgment
- sound judgment
Word family
Explore
- decision-making
- critical thinking
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- judgmentAmericannoun
Forms
- judgmentsAmericanpluralnoun
Spelling variants
- judgementBritishnoun
- judgementsBritishnoun