benchmark

Or bench mark

[bench-mahrk]

noun

1. a standard of excellence, achievement, etc., against which similar things must be measured or judged.

   The new hotel is a benchmark in opulence and comfort.

2. any standard or reference by which others can be measured or judged.

   The current price for crude oil may become the benchmark.

3. Computers.,  an established point of reference against which computers or programs can be measured in tests comparing their performance, reliability, etc.

4. Surveying.,  Usually bench mark a marked point of known or assumed elevation from which other elevations may be established. BM

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resulting in a benchmark.

   benchmark test, benchmark study.

verb (used with object)

1. to test (something) in order to develop a standard.

   IT benchmarked the new software.

2. to measure (something) against a standard.

   executive salaries benchmarked against the industry.

benchmark

/ ˈbɛntʃˌmɑːk /

noun

1. BM. a mark on a stone post or other permanent feature, at a point whose exact elevation and position is known: used as a reference point in surveying

2. 1. a criterion by which to measure something; standard; reference point

   2. ( as modifier )

      a benchmark test

verb

1. to measure or test against a benchmark

   the firm benchmarked its pay against that in industry

Word History and Origins

Origin of benchmark¹

First recorded in 1835–45; bench + mark ¹

Example Sentences

Yet some experts have cautioned that claims made by Chinese chipmakers should be taken with a pinch of salt due to a lack of publicly available data and consistent testing benchmarks.

Read more on BBC

"There's the benchmark, there's the number in the middle, and it goes up and goes down."

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ACA expert Charles Gaba tested the claim by hunting for a benchmark Silver ACA plan, on which the subsidies are based, costing that much anywhere in the U.S.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

To succeed, a political campaign generally needs specific, clear and easy-to-grasp goals, and a nimble strategy where benchmarks can be set and progress charted.

Read more on Salon

The new target is in line with an emission reduction benchmark – of between 62% and 70% – that was recommended by the Climate Change Authority, a government body which provides climate policy advice, Albanese said.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• criterion 
• gauge 
• standard 
• yardstick