appointment

An appointment is a formal arrangement to meet someone at a specified time and place. It can also refer to the act of appointing someone to a position or role. In everyday usage, the term most often denotes a scheduled meeting or service, such as a medical appointment or a business consultation.

When used for meeting or service, an appointment includes the date, time, location, and purpose. Scheduling typically involves entering details into a calendar or appointment system, notifying participants, and providing reminders. Changes such as rescheduling or cancellations are common and often require confirmation.

In a political, organizational, or corporate context, an appointment is the designation of an individual to a function or office. This can occur through appointment by a superior authority, by nomination and confirmation, or by election. Appointments may be for a fixed term or appear as ongoing appointments and may involve eligibility rules, tenure, or replacement processes.

The concept of appointment influences access and planning in many sectors, including health care, legal services, and public administration. Effective appointment systems aim to balance convenience for clients with the needs of service providers and institutions.