goalpost
Americannoun
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goalposts
plural
noun
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either of two upright posts supporting the crossbar of a goal
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to change the aims of an activity to ensure the desired results
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of goalpost
First recorded in 1855–60
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.
See Examples For:
He accused Gandhi of "changing the goalpost" and of refusing to end the protest despite being told that the place wasn't conducive to such demonstrations.
From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026
Even the goal of the Michelin star was kind of underplayed in the end — what seemed like the goalpost became a spiritual McGuffin.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 29, 2026
"My worry now, as I'm approaching later life, is when can I actually afford to retire? Because the goalpost seems to move," he says.
From BBC ● Nov. 24, 2025
But CSU — often called “the People’s University” — is poised for a major reset as it changes its ultimate goalpost from a four-year degree to a good job.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 29, 2024
I punched shots away; I deflected shots over the goalpost; I came out and slid into them before they could get shots off.
From "Tangerine" by Edward Bloor
Inconsistency is common in micromanagers, West says, meaning they often move the goalposts.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 21, 2026
However, the well-versed ball and jumpers for goalposts claims may ignore the cost to families of kit, club fees and transport to matches.
From BBC ● Jun. 28, 2026
“They’re moving the goalposts the whole time. It’s scary.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 19, 2026
"It just put a lot of devices and technology into classrooms without clear pedagogical intent, without clear goalposts," he argues.
From BBC ● Apr. 15, 2026
In the evenings, they started up a soccer game with crude wooden goalposts and a flabby ball.
From "The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm" by Nancy Farmer
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