Benchmark — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈbench-ˌmärk/ bench·mark

Meaning & Definition of Benchmark

Benchmark (noun)

  1. something that serves as a standard by which others may be measured or judged
  2. a point of reference from which measurements may be made
  3. a standardized problem or test that serves as a basis for evaluation or comparison (as of computer system performance)

Benchmark (verb)

  1. to study (something, such as a competitor's product or business practices) in order to improve the performance of one's own company

Benchmark (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something set up as an example against which others of the same type are compared

    "this prize-winning biography will be the benchmark against which all others will be judged in future years"

    similar: bar, barometer, criterion, gold standard, grade, mark, measure, metric, par, standard, touchstone, yardstick
    related: case, example, instance, average, norm, rule, acme, apex, meridian, peak, pinnacle, summit, zenith
    near: aberration, abnormality, deviation

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Benchmark

The most common words with a similar meaning to Benchmark:

bar, barometer, criterion, gold standard, grade, mark, measure, metric, par, standard, touchstone, yardstick

Related Words for Benchmark

case, example, instance, average, norm, rule, acme, apex, meridian, peak, pinnacle, summit, zenith

Near Antonyms of Benchmark

aberration, abnormality, deviation

Word Forms of Benchmark

Inflections: benchmarked, benchmarking, benchmarks

Origin & Etymology of Benchmark

First known use: 1813

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Benchmark

Frequently Asked Questions about Benchmark

What does "Benchmark" mean?

"Benchmark" means something that serves as a standard by which others may be measured or judged. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: something that serves as a standard by which others may be measured or judged.

What is another word for "Benchmark"?

Other words for "Benchmark" include bar, barometer, criterion, gold standard, grade, mark, measure and metric. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Benchmark" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Benchmark"?

There are 25 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Benchmark". Common alternatives include bar, barometer, criterion, gold standard, grade, mark, measure, metric, par and standard.

How do you use "Benchmark" in a sentence?

Examples of "Benchmark" in a sentence: "this prize-winning biography will be the benchmark against which all others will be judged in future years".

Is "Benchmark" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Benchmark" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Benchmark" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Benchmark" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Benchmark"?

"Benchmark" is pronounced /ˈbench-ˌmärk/ and divided into syllables as bench·mark.

What is the origin of the word "Benchmark"?

First known use: 1813.