# rubric

/ˈɹubɹɪk/ (US) · /ɹˈuːbɹɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rubric
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

a set of rules or standards used to judge how good a piece of work is. It tells you exactly what you need to do to get a good grade.

For teachers: a set of criteria or standards used for evaluating the quality of a piece of work. In a legal context, it refers to the title or heading of a legal document or statute.

## Examples

- The teacher gave us a rubric to help us write the essay.
- The students were confused because the rubric did not clearly explain how the research section would be graded.
- While the legal rubric of the contract appeared sound, the underlying terms were so vague that they eventually led to a lengthy dispute in the courts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.