goalpost

or goal post

[ gohl-pohst ]

noun

1. a post supporting a crossbar and, with it, forming the goal on a playing field in certain sports, as football.

goalpost

/ ˈɡəʊlˌpəʊst /

noun

1. either of two upright posts supporting the crossbar of a goal
2. move the goalposts
   move the goalposts to change the aims of an activity to ensure the desired results

Word History and Origins

Origin of goalpost¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

This mentality of chasing the ever-evolving algorithmic goalposts is the continued failure of many in the industry who still largely prefer to please bots ahead of delivering real value for users.

From Search Engine Watch

This way you can set some general expectations about savings rates, market returns and portfolio growth to give yourself some goalposts in the future.

From Fortune

The goalposts of the search for AGI are constantly shifting in this way.

From MIT Technology Review

Textbook suppliers donated books, other districts donated buses and leaders of the new academy stripped the public schools of books, desks and football goalposts.

From ProPublica

Both of those goalposts are still far off for now, though some have said there could be a vaccine by the end of the year.

From Science News

As he did so he heard the right-hand goalpost crack as a pony cannoned into it—crack, splinter and fall like a mast.

From Project Gutenberg