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

Further, in order to start the statute of limitations (the time limit during which the IRS can challenge the return), appraisals must be included with the return. —Ashley Case, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025

The value of the improvements (exclusive of land value) must be evidenced by an appraisal or assessment and the construction of the home must be fully completed. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025

Twenty-seven years later, Lockport coach Darien Jacobs has a similar appraisal of Peetz. —Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025

Your specific closing timeline will depend on several factors, though, including the type of loan, your credit history, when the appraisal and inspection can be scheduled and if the title search turns up any irregularities. —Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 30 Jan. 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