benchmark

[ˈbɛntʃmɑːrk]

benchmark Definition

• 1. a standard or point of reference against which things may be compared or assessed
• 2. a surveyor's mark made on a stationary object of previously determined position and elevation used as a reference point

Using benchmark: Examples

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

• Example

  The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a benchmark for the stock market.

• Example

  The company uses customer satisfaction as a benchmark for success.

• Example

  The new product was benchmarked against the competition.

• Example

  The benchmark for a healthy weight is a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9.

benchmark Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for benchmark

• yardstick
• standard
• criterion
• measure
• gauge

Antonyms for benchmark

• deviation
• nonconformity

Phrases with benchmark

• set a benchmark

  to establish a standard or point of reference against which things may be compared or assessed

  Example

  The company set a benchmark for customer satisfaction by providing excellent service.

• benchmark study

  a study that compares the performance of a product, service, or organization with that of its competitors or peers

  Example

  The benchmark study showed that our product was more efficient than our competitors'.

• benchmark test

  a test that measures the performance of a computer hardware or software system relative to a standard or reference point

  Example

  The benchmark test showed that the new graphics card was faster than the previous model.

Origins of benchmark

from 'bench' and 'mark', denoting the chiseled horizontal marks that surveyors made in stone structures, into which an angle-iron could be placed to form a 'bench' for a leveling rod, thus determining elevation levels.

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Summary: benchmark in Brief

The term 'benchmark' [ˈbɛntʃmɑːrk] refers to a standard or point of reference against which things may be compared or assessed. It can be used to compare products, services, organizations, or even health. The phrase 'set a benchmark' means to establish a standard, while 'benchmark study' and 'benchmark test' refer to comparative studies and tests. The term comes from surveying, where it denotes a chiseled horizontal mark used as a reference point.