milestone
n. countablen. an important event in the development or history of something or someone. You use this to describe a big step forward, like a graduation or a first job.
n. a significant stage or event in the development of something. Often used metaphorically to mark progress toward a long-term goal.
Reaching one million users was a huge milestone for the startup.
The discovery of fire was a major milestone in the history of human civilization.
While the initial prototype was successful, the team recognized that securing regulatory approval would be the most challenging milestone in the product's lifecycle.
From mile + stone. Compare Dutch mijlsteen (“milestone”), German Low German Mielensteen (“milestone”), German Meilenstein (“milestone”), Swedish milsten (“milestone”).
Frequently paired with verbs like 'reach', 'achieve', or 'mark'.