milestone
A significant point or achievement in a process
Examples
In a meeting
“Completing the prototype is a major milestone for our product development.”
Over coffee
“Getting your driver's license is a big milestone in life.”
Why this word
goal
Milestone is a specific checkpoint marking progress toward completion, while goal is the end target itself
target
Milestone marks a significant point in a timeline or journey, while target is what you're aiming for without the sequential aspect
achievement
Milestone is a planned marker of progress, while achievement is about accomplishment without the temporal tracking context
Usage tip
Use to mark important progress points; helps break large projects into measurable achievements
Etymology
English: mile (distance) + stone (marker); originally stone markers placed at mile intervals on roads
Get a new word every morning
One precise word per day. Under 60 seconds to read. Free forever.
Related words
obtain
To get or acquire something
garner
To gather or collect, especially praise, support, or information
traction
The extent to which an idea or product gains acceptance
incremental
Happening gradually in small steps
stagnant
Not moving, growing, or developing
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion