mission creep

noun

: the gradual broadening of the original objectives of a mission or organization

Examples of mission creep in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But there were already signs of mission creep. — Simon Akam, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025

For starters, California’s public schools are a textbook case of mission creep. — Aaron Garth Smith, Oc Register, 20 Nov. 2025

That kind of mission creep — the gradual expansion of government beyond its original role — weakens local control and accountability. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2026

Readying any large space mission, especially one as novel as a nuclear propulsion demo, for launch in less than three years will require sharp focus, resistance to mission creep, and near-perfect execution. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 25 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mission creep

• asleep
• upkeep
• beep
• cheap
• deep
• heap
• jeep
• keep
• leap
• peep
• reap
• seep