Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

goal-oriented

American  
[gohl-awr-ee-en-tid, ‐-ohr‐] / ˈgoʊlˌɔr iˌɛn tɪd, ‐ˌoʊr‐ /
especially British, goal-orientated

adjective

  1. (of a person) focused on reaching a specific objective or accomplishing a given task; driven by purpose.

    goal-oriented teams of teachers.

  2. (of a project or plan) designed to achieve desired results; targeted.

    a goal-oriented budget.


Etymology

Origin of goal-oriented

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Making more doesn’t always mean you manage that money poorly, of course—so long as you can manage the transition and remain clear-eyed and goal-oriented.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 16, 2025

We think of negotiation, conflict resolution as goal-oriented behavior.

From Salon • May 26, 2024

“She’s future-oriented. She’s goal-oriented as well,” Collins said.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 10, 2024

The NAc has a critical role in the learning and execution of goal-oriented behaviors.

From Science Daily • Mar. 15, 2024

The European spirit is knowledge oriented, while the American perfectionist spirit is goal-oriented.

From The Brain, A Decoded Enigma by Moisa, Dorin Teodor

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "goal-oriented" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com