C1 verb Formal

benchmark

/ˈbentʃmɑːrk/

To evaluate or measure something by comparing it against a standard or a recognized peer. In an academic or professional context, it involves using specific metrics to determine the quality or performance of a process or product relative to the best in the field.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I decided to benchmark my personal savings rate against the average for my age group.

I compared my savings rate to the typical rate for people my age.

2

The government is required to benchmark its environmental policies against international treaties.

The government must evaluate its green policies by comparing them to global agreements.

3

I'm just benchmarking my gaming PC's speed to see if it's still top-tier.

I am testing my computer's speed against high performance standards.

Word Family

Noun
benchmark
Verb
benchmark
Adjective
benchmarked
Related
benchmarking
💡

Memory Tip

Imagine a physical 'bench' with a 'mark' carved into it to measure height; you stand against it to see how you compare to that mark.

Quick Quiz

The IT department decided to ________ the new server's speed against the previous model.

Correct!

The correct answer is: benchmark

Examples

1

I decided to benchmark my personal savings rate against the average for my age group.

everyday

I compared my savings rate to the typical rate for people my age.

2

The government is required to benchmark its environmental policies against international treaties.

formal

The government must evaluate its green policies by comparing them to global agreements.

3

I'm just benchmarking my gaming PC's speed to see if it's still top-tier.

informal

I am testing my computer's speed against high performance standards.

4

The study aims to benchmark the university's research output against other Ivy League institutions.

academic

The research seeks to measure the school's results against those of elite colleges.

5

To remain competitive, we must benchmark our production costs against our rivals in Asia.

business

We need to compare our manufacturing costs with our competitors to stay in business.

Word Family

Noun
benchmark
Verb
benchmark
Adjective
benchmarked
Related
benchmarking

Common Collocations

benchmark against to compare something against a standard
benchmark performance to measure how well a system or person is doing
industry benchmark a standard of excellence in a specific business sector
benchmark progress to measure how much improvement has been made
benchmark results to compare the outcome of a test with other data

Common Phrases

set the benchmark

to establish a high standard for others to follow

benchmark testing

a process of running a series of tests to assess performance

above the benchmark

performing better than the required standard

Often Confused With

benchmark vs standardize

Standardizing means making things the same; benchmarking means comparing things to a standard.

benchmark vs milestone

A milestone is a point in time showing progress; a benchmark is a standard used for comparison.

📝

Usage Notes

Benchmark is most commonly used as a verb in business and technology. It almost always requires the preposition 'against' when specifying the standard of comparison.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'benchmark' as a synonym for 'goal'. While related, a benchmark is a reference point for comparison, not necessarily the final target itself.

💡

Memory Tip

Imagine a physical 'bench' with a 'mark' carved into it to measure height; you stand against it to see how you compare to that mark.

📖

Word Origin

Originally a surveyor's term for a mark cut into a stone or building to serve as a reference point in determining altitudes.

Grammar Patterns

transitive verb often followed by 'against' regular verb: benchmarked, benchmarking
🌍

Cultural Context

In Western corporate culture, benchmarking is a core part of 'Continuous Improvement' and 'Six Sigma' methodologies used to maximize efficiency.

Quick Quiz

The IT department decided to ________ the new server's speed against the previous model.

Correct!

The correct answer is: benchmark

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