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

This is how active stock pickers could outperform benchmark flows.

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AMD did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the benchmark results and Nvidia’s remarks.

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The data is key in helping the Federal Reserve decide how to adjust its benchmark interest rates.

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A common refrain among stock-market technicians is that the longer the benchmark indexes hold above the widely watched 50-day MA, the more bullish the market conditions would be for investors.

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He believes a restrictive immigration policy, the spread of artificial intelligence, and the retirement of baby boomers have altered workforce dynamics in ways that make old benchmarks unreliable.

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Related Words

• criterion 
• gauge 
• standard 
• yardstick