appraisal

noun

ap·​prais·​al ə-ˈprā-zəl 

: an act or instance of appraising something or someone

a damage appraisal

They gave us an honest appraisal of our chances.

especially : a valuation of property by the estimate of an authorized person

sought an appraisal of her jewelry

real estate appraisals

Synonyms

• appraisement
• assessment
• estimate
• estimation
• evaluation
• fix
• judgment
• judgement
• value judgment

Examples of appraisal in a Sentence

the appraisal of some jewelry

I made a quick appraisal of the situation and decided to leave right away.

The book is an excellent appraisal of the influences that have shaped our government.

Recent Examples on the Web

Now, the Redditor is in contact with someone from the World of Coca-Cola awaiting a more official appraisal. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025

Those with good memories may recall a more upbeat appraisal of Jackson from this writer back in November. —Simon Johnson, New York Times, 12 May 2025

These appraisals are often generous, listing values well above what the buyer paid. —Garth Friesen, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025

The appraisal was about $300,000 less than what the home sold for nine months later. —Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

appraise + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing appraisal

• self-appraisal

Rhymes for appraisal

• hazel
• nasal
• phrasal
• intranasal
• reappraisal

Kids Definition

appraisal

noun

ap·​prais·​al ə-ˈprā-zəl 

: an act or instance of appraising

Legal Definition

appraisal

noun

ap·​prais·​al ə-ˈprā-zəl 

: a valuation of property by the estimate of an authorized person: as

a

: the determination of the fair value of a corporation's stock by a judicial proceeding that a dissenting shareholder is usually entitled by statute to demand in a case of extraordinary corporate action (as a merger) see also dissent entry 1 sense 1

b

: the estimation of the value of real estate for the purpose of taxation, sale, or securing a mortgage

c

: the estimation of the value of damage done to property for the purpose of adjusting an insurance claim