Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Benchmark Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ“Š
Add to dictionary

benchmark

[หˆbษ›nสงหŒmษ‘หk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

performance measurement

A standard or point of reference against which things may be compared or assessed.

Synonyms

milestone, standard, yardstick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
benchmark

This term is often used in contexts related to performance assessment, business, and technology. It refers to a point of reference against which things may be compared or assessed.

  • Our sales team uses last year's figures as a benchmark for this year's targets.
  • The new software was tested against industry benchmarks to measure its efficiency.
standard

Commonly used to refer to a level of quality or attainment that is considered acceptable or normal. It can also refer to a widely accepted way of doing something.

  • The hotel maintains a high standard of cleanliness and service.
  • ISO is an international organization that sets standards for various industries.
yardstick

This is often used in informal contexts to describe a measurement or comparison tool for evaluating quality, performance, or value. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation when implying overly simplistic or rigid comparisons.

  • GDP is often used as a yardstick for measuring a country's economic performance.
  • Using test scores as the sole yardstick for student achievement can be misleading.
milestone

Typically used to signify a significant achievement or a crucial stage in a project, journey, or personal development.

  • Completing the first phase of the construction project was a major milestone.
  • Graduating from university is a huge milestone in one's life.

Examples of usage

  • This new software will set a benchmark for efficiency in the industry.
  • The company's success has become a benchmark for others to strive towards.
Context #2 | Verb

testing

Evaluate or check the quality or performance of something against a standard.

Synonyms

assess, compare, evaluate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
benchmark

Use this word to refer to a standard or point of reference against which things may be compared.

  • The software was tested against industry benchmarks.
  • We need to establish benchmarks for our performance.
evaluate

Typically used in situations where a thorough and detailed analysis is conducted, often making a judgment based on this analysis.

  • The committee was asked to evaluate the proposals.
  • We need to evaluate the effectiveness of the new policy.
assess

Commonly used when evaluating the value, quality, or importance of something, usually involving a detailed examination.

  • The teacher needs to assess the students' progress.
  • We need to assess the damage after the storm.
compare

Usually used when looking at two or more items to note similarities and differences.

  • Let's compare the prices of these two products.
  • When you compare apples to oranges, you can see the differences easily.

Examples of usage

  • We need to benchmark our new product against the competition.
  • The team benchmarked the website to identify areas for improvement.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Education

  • In educational settings, benchmarks are often used to assess student progress and performance against set goals.
  • Standardized tests are a common form of benchmarking, providing a way to compare students across different schools or regions.
  • Teachers might use benchmarks to tailor instruction and address the different needs of their students.

Business

  • Companies regularly use benchmarks to evaluate their performance against competitors, guiding strategic decisions.
  • Financial benchmarks, such as stock indices, help investors assess the performance of their investment portfolios.
  • The concept of benchmark pricing illustrates how prices can be compared to competitive standards in the market.

Technology

  • In tech, benchmarking involves testing hardware or software to compare their performance against standard criteria.
  • Application performance benchmarks help developers identify areas for improvement in their software's speed and efficiency.
  • Gaming benchmarks allow users to see how well their computers or consoles run specific games compared to others.

Psychology

  • Psychologists employ benchmarking to establish norms for different assessments, aiding in the diagnosis of various conditions.
  • Personality tests often use benchmarks to compare individual results with a larger population's responses.
  • Understanding performance benchmarks can help motivate individuals to reach their goals by providing clear expectations.

Origin of 'benchmark'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'benchmark' originates from the practice of surveying, where marks were made on a bench to serve as fixed reference points.
  • It became popular in the 19th century as a way to describe a level of quality that could be measured against.
  • Over time, it evolved to apply beyond physical measurements to include performance and quality standards in various fields.

The term 'benchmark' originated from the practice of surveyors placing a mark to indicate a specific elevation on a piece of land. Over time, it evolved to refer to a standard or point of reference that is used for comparison. The concept of benchmarking in business and technology emerged in the late 20th century as a method to improve performance by learning from best practices in the industry.

See also: bench, benches, benchmarks, benchtop.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,642, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.