benchmarking

American  

[bench-mahr-king] / ˈbɛntʃˌmɑr kɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or practice of measuring something against a standard, or of testing it in order to develop such a standard.

   The system measures nursing outcomes on a numerical scale, facilitating the benchmarking of nursing practices across facilities and jurisdictions.

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Etymology

Origin of benchmarking

First recorded in 1965–70; benchmark ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

The analysts are expecting a “slow normalization” based on benchmarking today’s energy shock against every major one that’s taken place in the Middle East since the closure of the Suez Canal in 1956.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026

The loss is less than the £355m quoted on Uefa's benchmarking report last month.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

In 2021, Laifen began positioning its brand as a “Dyson pingti,” Ye said, using a strategy of performance benchmarking plus price advantage to break into the market.

From Barron's • Feb. 15, 2026

In June 2018, Ford launched a benchmarking study using driver-assistance technology from General Motors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

ADP’s annual benchmarking pegged 2025 private payroll growth at 398,000 jobs, down from 771,000 in 2024.

From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026