yardstick

noun

yard·​stick ˈyärd-ˌstik 

1

a

: a graduated measuring stick three feet (0.9144 meter) long

b

: a standard basis of calculation

a yardstick for measuring astronomical distances

2

: a standard for making a critical judgment : criterion

measured by the yardstick of her first book

was a great success by any yardstick

Synonyms

• bar
• barometer
• benchmark
• criterion
• gold standard
• grade
• mark
• measure
• metric
• par
• standard
• touchstone

Choose the Right Synonym for yardstick

standard, criterion, gauge, yardstick, touchstone mean a means of determining what a thing should be.

standard applies to any definite rule, principle, or measure established by authority.

standards of behavior

criterion may apply to anything used as a test of quality whether formulated as a rule or principle or not.

questioned the critic's criteria for excellence

gauge applies to a means of testing a particular dimension (such as thickness, depth, diameter) or figuratively a particular quality or aspect.

polls as a gauge of voter dissatisfaction

yardstick is an informal substitute for criterion that suggests quantity more often than quality.

housing construction as a yardstick of economic growth

touchstone suggests a simple test of the authenticity or value of something intangible.

fine service is one touchstone of a first-class restaurant

Examples of yardstick in a Sentence

Some feel that test scores aren't an adequate yardstick for judging a student's ability.

Ratings are the yardstick by which TV shows are evaluated by networks.

Recent Examples on the Web

This metric compares a benchmark for costs with a yardstick for livability to create an overall ranking. —Jonathan Lansner, Orange County Register, 9 July 2024

Have someone—carefully and safely—hold a yardstick parallel to the ground an inch or two below the barrel of your gun. —Phil Bourjaily, Field & Stream, 3 July 2024

But by another yardstick – purchasing power – households recently have returned to their pre-inflation financial health, according to some studies. —Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2024

Any attempt to overcome this challenge must first define the yardstick for national success or failure. —Michael J. Mazarr, Foreign Affairs, 21 June 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

yardstick

noun

yard·​stick -ˌstik 

1

: a measuring stick a yard long

2

: a rule or standard by which something is measured