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

Officials have framed the mission as both a technical milestone and a proof of concept for the systems needed to safely transport astronauts beyond low Earth orbit and back again.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026

For Painter, whose program thrives by developing players year-over-year instead of serving as a stepping stone for future NBA stars, Smith’s evolution has been the perfect proof of concept.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

"Working with mouse models and cells derived from patients with Rett syndrome, our study provides proof of concept that increasing the levels of mutant MeCP2 in patients with the condition could provide therapeutic benefit."

From Science Daily • Mar. 6, 2026

They have now shown they have a proof of concept, that they know logistically how to do this—including getting a federal magistrate judge to sign a warrant.

From Slate • Feb. 10, 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