Judgment
n.thoughtful, capableprofessional
Meaning 1
The ability to weigh relevant facts and choose sensibly.
Reach for it when praising dependable decision-making, especially under uncertainty
Rina showed sound judgment by pausing the launch when the readings changed.
Choose between these
4- everyday
the choice is practical and obvious once explained
not when Common sense can dismiss a genuinely complex question or another culture's norms.
- warm
experience and humane perspective guide the choice
not when Wisdom is broader and more complimentary than evidence about one decision supports.
- formal
someone notices meaningful differences others miss
not when Discernment is insight, not necessarily the courage to make a decision.
- formal
avoiding needless risk is the strength being praised
not when Prudence can sound overly cautious when bold action was required.
Meaning 2
A considered conclusion reached after comparing the available information.
Reach for it when naming a particular evaluation or decision rather than the skill behind it
The panel's judgment reflected both the evidence and the safety risk.
Choose between these
4- everyday
decision
you mean the chosen course of action
not when Decision names the result without praising the thinking behind it.
- everyday
opinion
the conclusion is personal and open to disagreement
not when Opinion understates a finding based on careful investigation.
- professional
assessment
the conclusion follows a structured review
not when Assessment may remain provisional and need not settle what to do.
- formal
verdict
an authorized body delivers a final conclusion
not when Verdict is too judicial or final for an informal opinion.
Said against
3- folly
- recklessness
- indecision
It naturally appears in
3- sound judgment
Her sound judgment kept the volunteers out of the flooded tunnel.
- exercise judgment
Supervisors may exercise judgment when the written rule misses a safety concern.
- professional judgment
The nurse documented the professional judgment behind the referral.
Where this comes from
- merriam-webster, noun sense 2a opens in a new tab for meaning 1 · retrieved 2026-07-26
- merriam-webster, noun sense 1b opens in a new tab for meaning 2 · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.