English Reference
adjective · verb · noun

appealing

adj. · v. · n.
US /əˈpiɫɪŋ/ UK /ɐpˈiːlɪŋ/ ap·peal·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.attractive or interesting in a way that makes you want something.

    adj.having qualities that evoke interest, desire, or pleasure in the observer.

    Simple

    The idea of a long weekend at the beach sounds very appealing.

    In context

    The marketing team found that the minimalist design was particularly appealing to younger consumers who value simplicity and functionality.

    unappealingrepulsive
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal Law

    v.asking a person in authority to change a decision or a law.

    v.the act of formally requesting a higher authority or court to review and change a previous decision.

    Simple

    The company is appealing against the heavy fine they received last month.

    In context

    The legal team is currently appealing the verdict, citing several procedural errors that occurred during the initial trial.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'against'.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.making a serious or urgent request for help or money.

    v.making an earnest or urgent entreaty to the public or an individual for assistance.

    Simple

    The charity is appealing for donations to help the earthquake victims.

    In context

    Local police are appealing to the public for any information regarding the whereabouts of the missing vehicle.

    Usage

    Usually followed by 'for' or 'to'.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Formal

    n.the act of making a serious request for help or a change in a decision.

    n.the action or process of making an appeal, whether in a legal, social, or personal context.

    Simple

    The appealing of the court's decision took several months to complete.

    In context

    The constant appealing for funds has exhausted the local community's resources over the last fiscal year.

Usage appealing against her sentence

The prospect of selling it on to another production company was appealing from a financial perspective, but less so if it then went on to be a smash hit.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

At £6m, Le Fee offers a very appealing combination of price, minutes and multiple routes to FPL points (including penalties potentially).

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

By surface analysis, appeal + -ing.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated