key metric

/kiː ˈmɛtrɪk/
noun phraseIntermediate
💼Business💻Technology💰Finance
formaltechnical

A critical quantitative measure used to evaluate the performance, success, or health of a business, project, or system.

The company tracks customer acquisition cost as a key metric to optimize its marketing spend.

The team monitors user engagement as a key metric to assess product success.

💡

Key metrics are often used in dashboards, reports, and performance reviews to guide decision-making.

Collocations

track key metricsto monitor and record important performance indicatorsdefine key metricsto establish the most relevant measurements for a goal

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

KPIphrase
Key Performance Indicator - a specific type of key metric

💡Pro Tip

Choosing Key Metrics

Select metrics that directly align with your strategic goals and can be measured consistently over time.

Gold Rule

Avoid Vanity Metrics

Ensure key metrics are actionable and tied to real business outcomes, not just superficial numbers.

📖Word Origin

Derived from 'key' (essential) and 'metric' (a standard of measurement).

📝Usage Notes

Key metrics are often tied to specific business objectives and vary by industry. Examples include revenue growth, customer retention, and conversion rates.

Word Breakdown

key
essential or critical
adjective
+
metric
a standard of measurement
noun
English Dictionary