goal
Goal (noun) means something a person is aiming or working to achieve. Example: “Her goal was to finish the marathon in under four hours.”
How to use goal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA target you're trying to reach, whether in life, work, or a game.
Word forms
goaled past tense, goals plural, goals singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her _____ was to finish the marathon in under four hours.
Etymology
From Middle English gol ("boundary, limit"), likely from an Old English word for a barrier or gap — the sports and ambition senses both grew from the idea of a marked end-point to reach.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for goal
See all rhymes for goal →Frequently asked questions
What does “goal” mean?
The word “goal” means something a person is aiming or working to achieve. In plain terms, a target you're trying to reach, whether in life, work, or a game.
How do you pronounce “goal”?
“Goal” is pronounced gohl (/ɡoʊl/ in IPA).
How do you use “goal” in a sentence?
Here is “goal” used in a sentence: “Her goal was to finish the marathon in under four hours.”
What is another word for “goal”?
Words with a similar meaning to “goal” include object of desire, objective, purpose, aspiration, aim and end.
What part of speech is “goal”?
“Goal” is a noun.
Where does the word “goal” come from?
The word “goal” comes from Old English. From Middle English gol ("boundary, limit"), likely from an Old English word for a barrier or gap — the sports and ambition senses both grew from the idea of a marked end-point to reach.
Is “goal” a common word?
“Goal” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “goal” have?
“Goal” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something a person is aiming or working to achieve.
What is the difference between a goal and an objective?
A goal is a broad, longer-term result you want to achieve, such as "get fit." An objective is a specific, measurable step that moves you toward that goal, such as "run three times a week." Goals set the direction; objectives are the concrete actions that get you there. Objectives are usually smaller and time-bound.
What is the difference between a goal and a dream?
A dream is something you wish for, often vague and without a clear plan. A goal is a dream you have committed to, with intention and usually steps to reach it. The key difference is action: dreams stay in the mind, while goals are aimed at and worked toward in real life.
How do you set a good goal?
A widely used method is the SMART approach, which says a good goal should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of "save money," you set "save £1,000 by December." Making a goal clear and trackable this way makes it far easier to plan for and actually achieve.
Why are goals important?
Goals give direction and purpose, turning vague wishes into something you can plan and measure. They focus your effort, help you prioritise, and provide motivation as you see progress. Clear goals also make it easier to know whether you are succeeding, which is why they are central to work, sport, and personal growth.
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