benchmark

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Computing Technical

n. a test used to measure how well a computer or a piece of software works.

n. a standardised problem or test used to evaluate the performance of hardware or software.

“The latest benchmark shows that the new processor is twice as fast as the old one.”

“Independent reviewers ran a series of benchmarks to determine if the graphics card could handle high-resolution rendering without overheating.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technical

n. a mark made on a rock or building by a surveyor to show the exact height of that spot.

n. a surveyor's mark on a permanent fixed object, such as a stone or building, used as a reference point in determining elevations.

“The surveyor looked for the old benchmark carved into the base of the church tower.”

“The historical survey relied on a series of brass benchmarks embedded in the city's oldest stone bridges to calculate the flood risk accurately.”

C1 · Advanced Academic · Formal

v. to test something to see how it compares to a standard or to other similar things.

v. to evaluate or check something by comparison with a standard.

“We need to benchmark our prices against those of our main competitors.”

“The agency was hired to benchmark the university's research output against other leading institutions in the region.”