# assessment

/əˈsɛsmənt/ (US) · /ɐsˈɛsmənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/assessment
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. evaluation or judgment

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

a judgment or opinion about the quality, value, or importance of something.

For teachers: the process of evaluating or making a judgment about the nature, quality, or ability of someone or something.

- The teacher's assessment of the student's progress was very positive.
- A thorough risk assessment must be conducted before the construction crew can begin work on the bridge foundations.

Usage: Often used with the prepositions 'of' or 'for'.

### 2. a test or exam

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

a test or assignment used to check how much a student has learned.

For teachers: a specific instrument or procedure, such as a test or essay, used to measure a learner's achievement or progress.

- We have a final assessment at the end of the course to get our certificate.
- The module includes several forms of continuous assessment, including weekly quizzes and a final research project.

Teaching tip: In modern education, 'assessment' is often preferred over 'test' because it suggests a broader look at a student's abilities.

### 3. tax or value calculation

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

the act of deciding the value of a property or the amount of tax someone must pay.

For teachers: the calculation of the value of a property for taxation purposes, or the specific amount determined.

- The city sent out a new tax assessment for all the houses in our neighborhood.
- The property owner filed an appeal against the government's assessment, claiming the land was valued significantly higher than its market price.

Usage: Commonly used in legal and financial contexts regarding property and revenue.

## Examples

- The teacher gave us a written assessment today.
- After a thorough assessment of the building's structure, the engineers decided it was safe for the residents to return.
- A comprehensive environmental assessment must be conducted before the government grants permission for any large-scale industrial development in the protected valley.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.