benchmark

or bench mark

[ bench-mahrk ]

/ ˈbɛntʃˌmɑrk /

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noun

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.

any standard or reference by which others can be measured or judged: The current price for crude oil may become the benchmark.

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

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

adjective

of, relating to, or resulting in a benchmark: benchmark test, benchmark study.

verb (used with object)

to test (something) in order to develop a standard: IT benchmarked the new software.

to measure (something) against a standard: executive salaries benchmarked against the industry.

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Origin of benchmark

First recorded in 1835–45; bench + mark¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use benchmark in a sentence

In a letter that went out to schools Thursday night, Travis Gayles, public health chief in Montgomery County, laid out state guidelines on in-person instruction, saying county case numbers and test positivity rates exceed Maryland’s benchmarks.
Montgomery County urges private schools to consider move to all-virtual learning|Donna St. George|November 20, 2020|Washington Post
There was in fact an existing benchmark in the marketing literature, based on a series of earlier papers.
Does Advertising Actually Work? (Part 1: TV) (Ep. 440)|Stephen J. Dubner|November 19, 2020|Freakonomics
The campaign also performed 141 percent higher than industry benchmarks for engagement rate.
How Burger King’s drive for sustainability beat engagement benchmarks|Twitter|November 18, 2020|Digiday
Although no one has released any data publicly, the Next% is rumored to be another percent or two better than the original Vaporfly 4%—a formidable benchmark for the Endorphin Pro.
Seeking the Fastest Shoe in the Post-Vaporfly Era|Alex Hutchinson|November 17, 2020|Outside Online

So it’s worth considering her 2020-21 statistical benchmarks in that context as well.
After Beating Cancer, This Syracuse Point Guard Is Coming For The Record Books|Howard Megdal|November 17, 2020|FiveThirtyEight
“We missed the August number by 30,000, this re-benchmarking is 12 times larger, it really is important,” says Wolfers.
Jobs Revision Show That Obama Has Created Jobs Overall|Matthew Zeitlin|September 27, 2012|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for benchmark

benchmark

/ (ˈbɛntʃˌmɑːk) /

noun

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 surveyingAbbreviation: BM

a criterion by which to measure something; standard; reference point
(as modifier)a benchmark test

verb

to measure or test against a benchmarkthe firm benchmarked its pay against that in industry

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

benchmark

or bench mark

Origin of benchmark

Words related to benchmark

How to use benchmark in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for benchmark