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appraisal

uh-PRAY-zuhl /əˈpreɪ.zəl/

nounC1GRESATIELTS

professionalcorporate

A formal evaluation of the performance, worth, or quality of an employee over a specific period.

Refers to a structured assessment process, usually tied to career progression, training plans, or salary reviews.

The story behind the word. Traced to Latin 'appretiare' (to value or set a price upon). The word retained property valuation meanings for centuries before 20th-century personnel departments adapted it for formal worker evaluations.

Word relationships

evaluation: Evaluation is a general assessment, whereas appraisal usually implies an official institutional review.
assessment: Assessment focuses on measuring current skills or data, while appraisal balances judgment with developmental feedback.

neglect: Ignoring performance completely without evaluation.

Commonly confused with

apprisal: Appraisal is an evaluation; apprisal is the act of informing or giving notice to someone.

Word family

appraise (verb): To assess the value or quality of something.
appraiser (noun): A person who evaluates performance or property value.

Collocations

performance appraisal
annual appraisal
appraisal review
appraisal feedback

Idioms & expressions

give credit where credit is due

Example sentences

"During her annual performance appraisal, Sarah discussed her leadership achievements and set key targets for the coming financial year." Human Resources Management
"Performance appraisal systems must be transparent and consistent to ensure employees perceive compensation decisions as fair." Management Case Study

Memory hook

APPRAISE = Set the PRAISE and price of performance. Formal evaluation of worth.

When not to use

Do not use for informal, spontaneous verbal feedback given in passing.

Fun facts

360-degree performance appraisal systems gather feedback from peers, subordinates, and bosses, rather than just top-down manager reviews.