proof of concept

American  

[proof uhv kon-sept] / ˈpruf əv ˈkɒn sɛpt /

noun

1. a small-scale demonstration that a business plan, product in development, etc., is likely to be successful in later stages (often used attributively): The next step is a proof-of-concept clinical trial to evaluate the drug.

   A rough prototype of the device was constructed as proof of concept.

   The next step is a proof-of-concept clinical trial to evaluate the drug.

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proof of concept British  

noun

1. commerce the stage during the development of a product when it is established that the product will function as intended

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Etymology

Origin of proof of concept

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

proof of concept

For proof of concept, Quiñones proposed using a February 2021 public voter list he’d obtained for New Jersey and running it through HSI’s databases.

From Salon ● Aug. 15, 2026

The result provides a proof of concept for superconducting heat engines that could eventually contribute to improved quantum computing technology.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 14, 2026

In a report released this month, scientists shared a proof of concept and found that there are remarkably reliable ways to detect a coastal landslide well before it happens.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026

Once private-equity owners get the AP1000 ball rolling and show proof of concept, the rest of the utility industry should eventually follow suit.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 29, 2026

Ernest was willing to assume that he had achieved a proof of concept; verifiable results required only superior detection equipment.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik