eval

IPA/ɪvˈal/
IPA/ɪvˈæl/

eval — abbreviation

1. a short written form of the word 'evaluation', used especially in workplace or a

1.abbreviationB2
Definition

a short written form of the word 'evaluation', used especially in workplace or academic contexts to mean a formal check of a person's work performance, a project's results, or a product's quality

Example

After turning her team's project around, Shanti received an excellent eval.

collocation: receive an eval / excellent eval

The mid-year eval results will be announced at the all-staff meeting on Friday.

collocation: mid-year eval

Common collocations
  • performance eval
  • annual eval
  • mid-year eval
  • course eval
  • project eval
  • self-eval
Synonyms
  • evaluation

    the full form of the word; appropriate in all registers from casual to formal

  • assessment

    similar meaning but not an abbreviation; used in both formal and informal contexts across fields

  • review

    common in workplace settings, often suggesting a less structured check than a formal eval

Grammar Patterns

used in place of 'evaluation' in informal speech and writing, typically as a countable noun

Usage Note

Frequently used in informal workplace emails, performance-review conversations, and academic course-end surveys. In formal documents such as official reports or contracts, prefer the full word 'evaluation'.

Common Mistakes

I need to eval this software before the release.
I need to evaluate this software before the release.
'eval' is an abbreviation for the noun 'evaluation', not a verb.
Please find your annual eval attached to this official notice.
Please find your annual evaluation attached to this official notice.
'eval' is too informal for official or legal documents.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: abbreviation/1

All four words refer to judging something's quality or value, but they differ in register and scope. 'Eval' is the informal abbreviation of 'evaluation' and appears mostly in workplace chat, email subject lines, and casual conversation. 'Evaluation' is the full form suitable for any register. 'Assessment' suggests a broader, more analytical judgment — it can refer to a person's skills, a project's risks, or a student's learning level. 'Review' tends to be less structured; a performance 'review' may be an open conversation, whereas an 'eval' suggests a scored or written report. 'Appraisal' is the most formal of the group, used in human-resources documents and professional-development paperwork. For example: 'I have my quarterly eval tomorrow' sounds natural in a team chat, while 'The performance appraisal must be signed by both parties' fits a formal policy document.

evaluation ↗assessment ↗review ↗appraisal ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • performance eval
  • annual eval
  • mid-year eval
  • course eval
  • project eval
  • self-eval

Prepositions

  • in an eval
  • on an eval

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Shortened (clipped) form of 'evaluation', which comes from French 'évaluation', derived from 'évaluer' ('to evaluate'), from Latin 'valere' ('to be strong, be of value'). The clipped form 'eval' has been used in American workplace and academic English since the mid-20th century.