What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
criterion
Example
The main criterion for admission to the program is academic excellence. [criterion: noun]
Example
The company has strict criteria for selecting new employees. [criteria: plural noun]
yardstick
Example
Customer satisfaction is the yardstick by which we measure our success. [yardstick: noun]
Example
The company uses sales figures as a yardstick for evaluating the performance of its employees. [yardstick: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Yardstick is more commonly used than criterion in everyday language. Criterion is more specific and less versatile than yardstick, and is often used in academic or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between criterion and yardstick?
Criterion is generally considered more formal than yardstick, and is often used in academic or technical writing. Yardstick is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
