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

• 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

The main reason for this drop, according to Stephanie Guichard, senior economist of global indicators at the Conference Board, is consumers’ appraisal of current job availability, which declined for the eight consecutive month. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025

The city, at the behest of then-mayoral adviser Jay Goldstone, commissioned an appraisal from Colliers International for all of Horton’s office space, or what’s been described in public records as around 650,000 square feet of space. —Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025

But that software modernization is already underway; meanwhile, Zhao lacks a legal background and commercial appraisal experience. —Mercury News Editorial, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025

Feeney, the city manager, said that the appraisal doesn’t necessarily mean the city will move to take over ownership through eminent domain, which would require public action at city council. —Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 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