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

"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

Meyers calls his AI testing “proof of concept,” a phrase also used in the pharmaceutical development side of the business.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

“In other words: fewer ‘proof of concept’ projects, more ‘this is how we run the business’ contracts.”

From Barron's

For Cohan, “Heated Rivalry” is valuable proof of concept as he attempts to convince more Canadian creators to return to their roots, regardless of where they now live in the world.

From Los Angeles Times