appraisal

noun

ap·​prais·​al ə-ˈprā-zəl How to pronounce appraisal (audio)
: 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Without a proper appraisal accounting for all assets, globally, and to all extent held creates a fundamental issue with potential undervaluation of the assets. Priya Prakash Royal Esq. Ll.m. Mba Aep Tep, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 For those whose property value remained the same, the appraisal district mailed a postcard on April 15th to that effect. Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2025 The deadline to submit requests to exercise appraisal rights was Feb. 4. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025 Group appraisals focused on communication, positional work, control of the game and decision-making. Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for appraisal

Word History

Etymology

appraise + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of appraisal was in 1698

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Appraisal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appraisal. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

appraisal

noun
ap·​prais·​al ə-ˈprā-zəl How to pronounce appraisal (audio)
: an act or instance of appraising

Legal Definition

appraisal

noun
ap·​prais·​al ə-ˈprā-zəl How to pronounce appraisal (audio)
: 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

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