benchmark

American  

[bench-mahrk] / ˈbɛntʃˌmɑrk /

Or bench mark

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

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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 British  

/ 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

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verb

1. to measure or test against a benchmark

   the firm benchmarked its pay against that in industry

Etymology

Origin of benchmark

First recorded in 1835–45; bench + mark ¹

Example Sentences

There is little doubt that the central bank for the 21-nation single-currency area will keep its benchmark rate on hold at two percent for its fifth straight meeting.

From Barron's

But she added that staples could have a little more room to run since many actively managed funds still own less of the sector compared with their benchmarks.

From Barron's

If “return on investment” becomes the top benchmark, educators will scramble to prove their college is the “best” for post-graduation wealth accumulation—forget the rest.

From The Wall Street Journal

On a number of benchmark tests, Microsoft’s flagship proprietary AI model ranks well below competitors.

From The Wall Street Journal

In December, Russia's central bank cut its benchmark interest rate to 16 percent as inflation showed signs of slowing down.

From Barron's

Related Words

• criterion
• gauge
• standard
• yardstick