benchmark
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 5I 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.
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.
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
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
I decided to benchmark my personal savings rate against the average for my age group.
everydayI compared my savings rate to the typical rate for people my age.
The government is required to benchmark its environmental policies against international treaties.
formalThe government must evaluate its green policies by comparing them to global agreements.
I'm just benchmarking my gaming PC's speed to see if it's still top-tier.
informalI am testing my computer's speed against high performance standards.
The study aims to benchmark the university's research output against other Ivy League institutions.
academicThe research seeks to measure the school's results against those of elite colleges.
To remain competitive, we must benchmark our production costs against our rivals in Asia.
businessWe need to compare our manufacturing costs with our competitors to stay in business.
Word Family
Common Collocations
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
Standardizing means making things the same; benchmarking means comparing things to a standard.
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
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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