goal

Goal is a term with several related meanings across different contexts. As a noun, it denotes an end, objective, or intended outcome toward which actions are directed. A goal can be a specific target, a broader purpose, or a criterion by which success is judged. In everyday language, goals reflect plans, ambitions, or desired states. The word originates in Middle English, with older European roots, and its sense of aiming at an end point has persisted through the centuries.

In sports, a goal has a specialized meaning. It can refer to the object or area into which players try to score, as in soccer or hockey, and it also denotes the scoring event itself. The goal is typically a frame with posts and a crossbar, and a score is counted when the ball entirely crosses the goal line within the permitted area. An own goal occurs when a player accidentally scores for the opposing team.

In organizational and personal development contexts, goals guide planning and evaluation. Goal setting theory, developed in psychology, emphasizes the importance of clear, challenging, and committed objectives, often framed as specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals (SMART). Goals are used to motivate performance, allocate resources, and measure progress toward desired outcomes. In software, project management, and education, defining goals helps structure tasks and assess outcomes.