goal-oriented — focused on achieving a specific goal or objective, rather than on the process or method used to get there
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: focused on achieving a specific goal or objective, rather than on the process or method used to get there
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɡoʊl ˌɔːriˈɛntɪd/
Example Sentences
- My cat is so goal-oriented that she knocks things off the table every morning at 6 AM to wake me up.
- Civil service exam candidates need to be extremely goal-oriented to survive months of intensive study.
- The reform committee adopted a goal-oriented framework to evaluate the effectiveness of new policies.
goal-oriented
ADJECTIVE[/ˈɡoʊl ˌɔːriˈɛntɪd/]
focused on achieving a specific goal or objective, rather than on the process or method used to get there

A goal-oriented runner sprints toward the finish line, ignoring everything else around her.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This compound word combines 'goal' (from Germanic roots meaning 'boundary' or 'aim') with 'oriented' (from Latin oriens, 'rising' or 'east'). The term 'oriented' evolved from the historical practice of using the rising sun in the east as a directional reference point for navigation, metaphorically meaning 'aligned toward' or 'directed at'.
Breakdown
goal (Germanic: aim or target) + orient (Latin oriens: rising/east, later 'to align direction') + -ed (adjective suffix indicating state or condition). The compound functions as an adjective meaning 'directed toward achieving a specific objective.'
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat is so goal-oriented that she knocks things off the table every morning at 6 AM to wake me up.”
“Civil service exam candidates need to be extremely goal-oriented to survive months of intensive study.”
“The reform committee adopted a goal-oriented framework to evaluate the effectiveness of new policies.”
“He's so goal-oriented that he even sets a target for how many jokes he'll make at a party.”
📚Related Words
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