aðalmarkmiðið

Aðalmarkmiðið is the principal objective or main goal guiding a project, policy, institution, or research. It denotes the central aim that determines decisions, priorities, and assessment of success. The term is common in Icelandic planning, management, and public discourse, where it contrasts with secondary objectives, milestones, and outputs.

Etymology: The word combines aðal “main, principal” and markmið “objective, target.” In Icelandic, aðalmarkmið and aðalmarkmiðið are used to express the indefinite and definite references, respectively; the definite form aðalmarkmiðið is used when referring to a clearly identified objective. The concept emphasizes priority and strategic alignment rather than peripheral goals.

Usage and examples: In planning and governance contexts, the phrase is used to articulate the central aim of a program, project charter, or policy proposal. It guides scope, resource allocation, and evaluation. Example sentences: Aðalmarkmiðið með þessari rannsókn er að kanna áhrif loftslagsbreytinga á fátækt. Í fjárhagsáætluninni er aðalmarkmiðið að lengja líftíma kerfisins.