How do you use the word "benchmark" in a sentence?

Q: How do you use the word "benchmark" in a sentence?

Here are real-life examples of using "benchmark": The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark discount rate to an 18-year low. Without a good benchmark, it's hard to tell which software is faster.

Benchmark Meaning

/ˈbɛn(t)ʃmɑːk/

Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Definition

nounA standard by which something is evaluated or measured.

nounA surveyor's mark made on some stationary object and shown on a map; used as a reference point.

Sentence Examples

The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark discount rate to an 18-year low.

Without a good benchmark, it's hard to tell which software is faster.

CEFR Practice Quiz

The company's quarterly sales figures serve as a ____ for industry performance.

CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)

The new product sets a high ____ for quality in the whole industry city.

Word Origin & History

From bench + mark. First use appears c. 1842. Originally a mark cut into a stone by land surveyors to secure a bench (from land surveying jargon in the 19th century, meaning a type of bracket), to mount measuring equipment. The figurative sense first appears c. 1884.

Literary Quotations & Historical Citations

"Is the pope Catholic? Forgive the posing of a question that is usually rhetorical, the absolute benchmark of certainty, and traditionally regarded as even more settled than the one pertaining to the lavatorial arrangements of bears." — 2013 September 20, Marina Hyde, “Is the pope Catholic?”, in The Guardian:

"In a press release, CARB expanded on their decision. "The LCFS reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by setting a declining carbon intensity target for transportation fuels used in California; producers that don't meet established benchmarks buy credits from those that do. This system has generated $4 billion in annual private sector investment toward a cleaner transportation sector."" — 2024 November 8, Luz Pena, “California's gas prices could have major increase with passing of new fuel standards”, in ABC7 News:

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