Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - appraisal

(appraisals) 1. If you make an appraisal of something, you consider it carefully and form an opinion about it. What is needed in such cases is a calm appraisal of the situation... = evaluation N-VAR: oft N of n 2. Appraisal is the official or formal assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of someone or something. Appraisal often involves observation or some kind of testing. Staff problems should be addressed through training and appraisals. = evaluation N-VAR: oft N of n