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milestone

MAYL-stohn /ˈmaɪlstoʊn/

nounB2SATACTTOEFL

businessgeneral

A significant stage or event in the development of something.

A milestone is a specific, measurable point of progress along a timeline, rather than a continuous phase.

The story behind the word. Historically, milestones were actual stone obelisks placed along Roman roads at intervals of one Roman mile (about 1,000 paces). They told travelers exactly how far they had traveled and how far they had left to go, a concept we naturally adapted for project timelines.

Word relationships

landmark: A landmark is a highly visible, historic event or physical object, while a milestone is specifically a marker of progress along a journey.
turning point: A turning point implies a dramatic shift in direction, whereas a milestone is a planned point of progress along a pre-determined path.

setback: A setback is an event that delays progress, whereas a milestone marks successful progress forward.

Commonly confused with

goal: A goal is the final destination, while a milestone is an intermediate marker showing you are on the right track.

Word family

milestones (noun): Plural form of milestone.

Collocations

reach a milestone
major milestone
key milestone
milestone achievement

Example sentences

"Completing the prototype was a major milestone for the engineering team." Project Management
"Graduating from university is a significant milestone in a young person's life." Personal Achievement

Memory hook

A milestone is a stone on the road of your project that shows you've walked another mile. A stone marking another mile of progress.

When not to use

Do not use to describe minor, routine daily tasks (e.g., checking your email is not a milestone).

Fun facts

The 'Golden Milestone' (Milliarium Aureum) was a monument erected by Emperor Augustus in the central Forum of Rome; all Roman roads were considered to begin at this monument.