yardstick

[yärdstik]

yardstick Definition

• 1. a measuring rod or stick, typically three feet long, used for measuring the depth of water or testing the alignment of something
• 2. a standard used for comparison

Using yardstick: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "yardstick" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The yardstick is used to measure the depth of the river.

• Example

  The company uses customer satisfaction as a yardstick for success.

• Example

  The yardstick for a good teacher is the success of their students.

yardstick Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for yardstick

• standard
• measure
• benchmark
• criterion
• guide

Phrases with yardstick

• gold standard

  the best and most reliable thing of its type

  Example

  This restaurant is the gold standard for Italian cuisine.

• yardstick of success

  a standard or criterion used to measure success

  Example

  For him, money is the yardstick of success.

• yardstick test

  a test or assessment based on a specific standard or criterion

  Example

  The yardstick test for a good movie is whether it makes you think and feel.

Origins of yardstick

from yard (a unit of length) + stick

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Summary: yardstick in Brief

A 'yardstick' [yärdstik] is a measuring rod or stick, typically three feet long, used for measuring the depth of water or testing the alignment of something. It is also used as a standard for comparison, such as in 'The company uses customer satisfaction as a yardstick for success.' 'Yardstick' extends into phrases like 'gold standard,' referring to the best of its kind, and 'yardstick of success,' denoting a standard for measuring success.