targets

A target is an object, person, or outcome toward which an action is directed. In everyday use, targets can be physical objects used for practice or competition, or abstract goals that organizations or individuals seek to achieve. The term implies aiming at a point or aim to be reached.

Physical targets are common in sports and training. Archery, shooting, and darts use targets with scoring rings and a central bullseye to provide feedback on accuracy. Targets can be paper, metal, or electronic, and they may be stationary, moving, or interactive to simulate different conditions.

In business and project management, targets denote expected results such as sales quotas, market share, or project milestones. They help structure planning, budgeting, and performance reviews. Targets are often described using SMART criteria—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—to ensure clarity and accountability.

In science and medicine, a target can refer to a molecule or biological structure that a drug acts upon, known as a drug target. In experimental contexts, a target is the object of measurement or observation, such as a substrate, organism, or system under study.

In computing and software development, a target is a defined output, platform, or deployment destination for builds. The term also appears in marketing to denote the intended audience or market segment. Across fields, targets serve as points of reference that shape plans, actions, and evaluation.