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benchmark

BENCH-mark /ˈbɛntʃmɑːrk/

nounverbC1GMATGRECAT

formalbusinesstechnical

A standard or point of reference against which things may be compared or assessed.

A benchmark is often a 'best-in-class' example used to measure one's own performance.

The story behind the word. The term comes from surveyors. They would cut a horizontal notch into a stone building or wall, into which an angle-iron could be placed to form a 'bench' for a leveling-staff. This ensured the staff was always at the same height for measurements.

Word relationships

yardstick: A yardstick is a literal or figurative measure of length or quality, whereas a benchmark is a reference point for comparison.

guess: A guess is an estimate without a reference point, the opposite of a benchmark.

Commonly confused with

standard: A standard is a requirement; a benchmark is a point of comparison.

Word family

benchmarking (noun): The process of comparing one's business processes and performance metrics to industry bests.

Collocations

industry benchmark
benchmark test
set a benchmark

Idioms & expressions

gold benchmark

Example sentences

"The S&P 500 is a common benchmark for the performance of the US stock market." Finance
"The new processor set a new benchmark for speed and efficiency." Technology

Memory hook

Imagine sitting on a 'bench' and 'marking' how high everyone else can jump compared to you. The mark on the surveyor's bench.

When not to use

Don't use 'benchmark' for a simple rule; it implies a comparative measurement.

Fun facts

In computing, a 'benchmark' is a program used to test the performance of hardware or software.
The oldest benchmarks in the UK are 'Ordnance Survey' marks carved into old churches.