Benchmark

English Meaning

A standard or point of reference against which things may be compared or assessed; Evaluate or check (something) by comparison with a standard: "we are benchmarking our performance against external criteria".

1. A standard by which something can be measured or judged: "Inflation . . . is a great distorter of seemingly fixed economic ideas and benchmarks” ( Benjamin M. Friedman). See Synonyms at standard.
2. A surveyor's mark made on a stationary object of previously determined position and elevation and used as a reference point in tidal observations and surveys.
3. To measure (a rival's product) according to specified standards in order to compare it with and improve one's own product.