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Definition of adjudicate

adjudicate

/əˈdʒuːdɪkeɪt/
ad · ju · di · cate
Adjective:adjudicative
•
Past Simple:adjudicated
•
Past Participle:adjudicated
•
Present Participle:adjudicating
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adjudicate Lexical Profile

adjudicate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make a formal judgment or authoritative decision on a disputed matter or legal claim.

Example

"An independent tribunal was appointed to adjudicate the complex boundary dispute between the two provinces."

2

To act as a judge in a competition, contest, or performance.

Example

"Three distinguished conservatoire professors were invited to adjudicate the national piano competition."

3

To pronounce or declare someone or something to be in a specified legal status, such as bankrupt.

Example

"The firm was formally adjudicated bankrupt by the commercial court after failing to repay its creditors."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for adjudicate

• Rhymes for adjudicate

• Nearby Words

adjoining
adjourn
adjournment
adjudicate
adjudicator
adjunct
adjust

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 17th century from Latin adjudicatus, the past participle of adjudicare ('to award or decide as a judge'), formed from ad- ('to') and judicare ('to judge', from judex, 'a judge').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Adjudicate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/adjudicate
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