noun

assessment

A judgment of someone's or something's quality, value, or condition.

The engineer's assessment identifies several weaknesses in the old bridge.

Etymology

Latin assidere meant to sit beside, the role of an official assistant in judgment. Assessment developed from official valuation into the broader act of judging quality, value, or condition.

More examples

  • The teacher gave a detailed assessment of her progress.
  • An independent assessment placed the property's value much lower.
  • The two assessments reached different conclusions.

Forms

assessment · assessments

Similar words

evaluation
A close general alternative for judging quality or effectiveness.
appraisal
Often specifically determines monetary value or professional performance.