# yardstick

/ˈjɑɹdˌstɪk/ (US) · /jˈɑːdstɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/yardstick
Updated: 2026-06-22

## Definition

a standard or a measurement used to judge the quality or value of something. You use it to compare things and see how they measure up.

For teachers: a standard of measurement or a criterion for judging the quality, value, or performance of something. Often used metaphorically to describe a benchmark against which other things are evaluated.

## Examples

- The company uses customer satisfaction as a yardstick for success.
- In many developing countries, access to clean water remains the primary yardstick for measuring public health progress.
- While the initial budget served as a yardstick for the project's scope, the final costs were significantly higher due to unforeseen logistical challenges and rising material prices.

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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.