What does reassessment mean?
A reassessment is the deliberate reconsideration of a person, situation, policy, or body of evidence, usually because circumstances have changed or because the original judgment may no longer be sound. The word can describe the act of examining the matter again or the new evaluation that results. For example, officials may order a reassessment of risks, researchers may conduct a reassessment of earlier findings, or a supervisor may make a reassessment of an employee's performance. Unlike a simple review, a reassessment often implies that the previous conclusion is being tested in light of new information or a changed context. It is widely used in British and American English, particularly in formal, academic, legal, business, and governmental settings. Although it can sound somewhat institutional, the term is also natural in everyday discussion whenever people acknowledge that they need to look at a matter again.
nounThe act of considering something again in order to form a new or revised opinion. It can also refer to the revised evaluation itself.
- The process of considering a matter again in order to reach a new or revised opinion.
- A revised evaluation or judgment formed after renewed consideration.
"Following the latest evidence, the committee ordered a reassessment of the project's viability."
"The new data prompted a reassessment of the original estimate."
"Her reassessment of the evidence led her to withdraw her earlier criticism."
Used when referring to multiple separate acts or processes of reconsidering or re-evaluating.
"The changes prompted several reassessments of the forecast."
A reassessment turns second thoughts into a deliberate second look—and sometimes a completely different decision.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of reassessment
Reassessment was formed within English by combining the prefix re-, meaning “again,” with assessment. Assessment comes from Latin assessus, the past participle of assidere, meaning “to sit beside,” and developed the sense of determining or valuing something by weighing evidence. The same Latin root is preserved in English words such as assess, assessor, and assessable.
Related word forms
How reassessment is actually used
The word is common in formal, academic, legal, and institutional contexts. It can imply that earlier evidence or judgment has been found incomplete, outdated, or otherwise in need of review.
Easily confused with reassessment
An assessment is an evaluation in its original or general sense, whereas a reassessment is specifically a second or renewed evaluation after reconsideration.