goals

The word “goals” means internet slang for something highly admirable, worth aspiring to. In plain terms, slang for "this is exactly what I want for myself" — used to praise something enviable.

“Goals” is pronounced gohlz (/ɡoʊlz/ in IPA).

Here is “goals” used in a sentence: “Their friendship is honestly goals.”

“Goals” is an adjective.

“Goals” is a very common word in modern English.

Used on its own, 'goals' labels something as so admirable that you would aspire to it yourself. Calling a couple, a home, or an outfit 'goals' means it represents an ideal worth reaching for. It grew from phrases like 'relationship goals' and 'body goals' on social media.

'Relationship goals' is the fuller phrase that praises a couple or partnership as an ideal to aim for. 'Goals' is the shortened, more flexible version, applied to almost anything admirable — a holiday, a career, an outfit. The single word broadened the idea beyond relationships to any enviable thing.

It is very informal. This use of 'goals' belongs to social media, texting, and casual conversation, and would look out of place in professional or academic writing. It is also fairly recent slang, so its tone is playful and youthful rather than neutral or serious.