-
on-target
on-targetadjectivecorrect, accurate, or adhering closely to an anticipated outcome.
-
on target
on targetCompletely accurate, wholly valid, as in Our cost estimates were right on target, or His criticisms were on target. This seemingly old expression dates only from the mid-1900s, and the colloquial use of target for a goal one wishes to achieve dates from about 1940.
on-target
Americanadjective
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
His 'expected goals on target conceded' tally - which measures the likelihood of an on-target shot resulting in a goal - is 20.85.
From BBC • Jan. 26, 2026
McGregor's superb effort was Celtic's first on-target effort of the entire game and came beyond the four minutes of added-on time indicated by the match officials.
From Barron's • Nov. 22, 2025
From there, Kaj delivered an on-target pitch/roll to Betts, who brought the ball back to his son.
From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2025
The Sounders burst with energy from the opening whistle and outshot LA 11-3 overall, including 4-1 on-target, in the first half, but nothing that made Galaxy keeper John McCarthy sweat.
From Seattle Times • May 5, 2024
I would kick that red ball far into the outfield: hard, and on-target.
From "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.