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 of appraisal

• assessment
• evaluation
• appraisement

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

Their nervous systems, approach to cognitive appraisals and relationship strategies work together in ways that reduce threat, increase clarity and preserve connection, even when a conversation is exceptionally hard. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026

Actions taken — from the crew report, followed by ground worry and appraisal, to launch of the uncrewed Shenzhou 22 — was completed in 16 days. —Leonard David, Space.com, 21 Jan. 2026

The current market value of $103 million reflects an appraisal by Partner Valuation Advisors conducted in September, according to Rabbi Motti Seligson, director of public relations for Chabad’s headquarters in Brooklyn. —Asaf Elia-Shalev, Sun Sentinel, 20 Jan. 2026

Among Palestinians, appraisals are more nuanced. —Andrew Carey, CNN Money, 18 Jan. 2026

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