metrics: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Business
Quick answer
What does “metrics” mean?
A set of quantitative measures used to assess, compare, or track performance, progress, or characteristics of something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A set of quantitative measures used to assess, compare, or track performance, progress, or characteristics of something.
The theory or study of measurement in any field; more broadly, any standards or parameters used for evaluation. In data science, it refers to specific measurable data points from a dataset.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. 'Metrics' is equally common in both varieties. Spelling of related terms may differ (e.g., 'analyse metrics' UK / 'analyze metrics' US).
Connotations
Slightly more associated with corporate management jargon in both varieties. In UK academic contexts, might still retain a stronger link to the classical study of metre in poetry.
Frequency
Very high frequency in business and tech contexts in both regions. Slightly more prevalent in American corporate speak historically, but now ubiquitous.
Grammar
How to Use “metrics” in a Sentence
to track + metricsto analyse + metrics + for + NPmetrics + show + (that)-clausemetrics + based on + NPmetrics + indicate + NPVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metrics” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team will metricise their outreach efforts to track impact.
- [Note: 'metricise' is rare and jargonistic]
American English
- We need to metric our customer satisfaction more effectively.
- [Note: using 'metric' as a verb is corporate slang]
adverb
British English
- [No established adverb form derived directly from 'metrics'. Related: 'metrically']
American English
- [No established adverb form derived directly from 'metrics'. Related: 'metrically']
adjective
British English
- A metric-tonne is a unit of weight.
- He specialises in metric geometry.
American English
- A metric ton is a unit of weight.
- The report lacks metric data.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Central to performance management. E.g., 'We need to improve our quarterly sales metrics.'
Academic
Used in fields like economics, data science, and sociology. E.g., 'The study employed several metrics to gauge social inequality.'
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used when discussing personal tracking (e.g., fitness metrics from a smartwatch).
Technical
Fundamental in software, engineering, and data analysis. E.g., 'The algorithm's efficiency was evaluated using standard computational metrics.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metrics”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metrics”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metrics”
- Using 'metric' as a plural (e.g., 'three key metric'). The singular is 'a metric', the plural is 'metrics'.
- Treating 'metrics' as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'much metrics'). It is a countable plural.
- Confusing 'metrics' with 'analytics'. Analytics is the process of analysis; metrics are the specific measures analysed.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is plural in form. You refer to 'a set of metrics' or 'these metrics'. The singular is 'a metric' (one specific measure).
Statistics is a broader field of mathematics dealing with data collection and analysis. Metrics are the specific measures or data points derived from such analysis, often used for evaluation (e.g., conversion rate is a metric; calculating its average involves statistics).
It sounds formal and technical. In casual talk, you might say 'measurements', 'numbers', or 'figures' instead (e.g., 'the numbers from my fitness tracker' not 'my fitness metrics').
No, this is a common error. The correct form for a singular item is 'a metric' (e.g., 'Customer satisfaction score is a key metric'). 'Metrics' always refers to multiple measures.
A set of quantitative measures used to assess, compare, or track performance, progress, or characteristics of something.
Metrics is usually formal, technical, business in register.
Metrics: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛtrɪks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛtrɪks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for 'metrics'. The word itself is often used in semi-idiomatic phrases like 'what gets measured gets managed', implying the importance of metrics.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'METRICS' as 'MEasuring TRICKS' – the clever, systematic ways we measure success.
Conceptual Metaphor
METRICS ARE A GAUGE / DASHBOARD (providing a readable display of performance). METRICS ARE A SCOREBOARD (keeping track of success in a competitive field).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is the word 'metrics' used INCORRECTLY?