metric: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Academic/Technical
Quick answer
What does “metric” mean?
a standard system of measurement, or a particular unit or measurement within such a system, especially the metric system based on metres, grams, and litres.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a standard system of measurement, or a particular unit or measurement within such a system, especially the metric system based on metres, grams, and litres.
A quantifiable measure or indicator used to track, compare, or assess performance, progress, or status, particularly in business, software, or science; also used as an adjective to describe things relating to measurement or the metric system.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term identically. The UK has officially adopted the metric system for most official purposes but retains imperial units in everyday speech for some measurements (e.g., miles, pints). The US primarily uses US customary units but employs the metric system in science, medicine, and some industries.
Connotations
In both varieties, in technical/business contexts, 'metric' connotes objectivity, data-driven analysis, and performance evaluation.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in technical, scientific, and business contexts in both regions. Slightly more frequent in general UK discourse due to greater everyday use of the metric system.
Grammar
How to Use “metric” in a Sentence
[verb] + metric (e.g., track, measure, define, use, establish, a metric)[adjective] + metric (e.g., key, important, standard, common, useful, metric)metric + [preposition] + [noun] (e.g., metric for success, metric of performance)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metric” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form for 'metric'. The verb is 'to metricate'.]
American English
- [No standard verb form for 'metric'. The verb is 'to metricate'.]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form. 'Metrically' is rare and technical.]
American English
- [No standard adverb form. 'Metrically' is rare and technical.]
adjective
British English
- All new cars display fuel efficiency in metric units.
- The UK's metric conversion began in the 1960s.
American English
- Scientists in the US primarily use metric measurements.
- The bolt needs a 10mm metric wrench.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to quantifiable data used to evaluate performance (e.g., 'Our key metrics are monthly active users and customer retention rate.').
Academic
Used in mathematics (metric space, metric tensor), sciences for measurement systems, and social sciences for quantitative indicators.
Everyday
Primarily refers to the system of measurement (e.g., 'The recipe is in metric, so you'll need a scale.'). Less common than in technical contexts.
Technical
Central term in data analysis, engineering, and software development (e.g., 'application performance metrics,' 'network latency metrics').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metric”
- Using 'metric' as a countable noun incorrectly (e.g., 'a metrics' is wrong; it's 'a metric' or 'metrics').
- Confusing 'metric' (system/indicator) with 'matrix' (a grid or mathematical array).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While that is its original and core meaning, in modern contexts, especially business and tech, it more commonly refers to a quantifiable measure or key performance indicator (KPI).
Not in standard usage. The process is 'to metricate' (convert to the metric system). In business slang, you might hear 'to metric something' meaning to apply metrics to it, but this is non-standard.
All KPIs are metrics, but not all metrics are KPIs. A KPI (Key Performance Indicator) is a strategically chosen metric that is critical to assessing success against a core objective.
The singular is 'a metric' (one measurement). 'Metrics' is the plural form (multiple measurements). Using 'a metrics' is grammatically incorrect.
a standard system of measurement, or a particular unit or measurement within such a system, especially the metric system based on metres, grams, and litres.
Metric is usually formal/academic/technical in register.
Metric: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmet.rɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmet.rɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms with 'metric' as the headword]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a METRE stick - the core of the METRIC system. For business, remember: METRICS MEASURE RESULTS.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS/QUALITY IS A MEASURABLE QUANTITY (e.g., 'We measure success by these metrics.').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'metric' LEAST likely to be used?