impact assessment
nounUK /ˈɪmpækt əˈsesmənt/
US /ˈɪmpækt əˈsesmənt/
A check to see what good or bad things might happen because of a plan.
Before building the new road, the town did an impact assessment to see how it would affect the animals.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A study of how a new law or project will change people's lives.
The government ordered an impact assessment before changing the school rules.
3. A test that measures how strong a hit or crash is.
Engineers used an impact assessment to make the car safer in crashes.
4. A careful look at how a business decision will affect money and jobs.
The company did an impact assessment before closing the old factory.