Joy wrote to complain and ask for clarification on the correct use of the word metrics in business communication:
"A word that is not one of my favorites is metrics used to describe financial performance. Example: Our metrics don’t look very good right now."
Joy cited some of the dictionary definitions of metric: (1). A standard of measurement. (2.) A geometric function that describes the distances between pairs of points in a space. (3) Meter (in reference to the metric system).
She wrote, "Today metrics is slung about in business jargon. . . . Is it a word that has transitioned with a new, nebulous meaning?"
Metrics is a word I never use. When I mean "measurement," I write measurement. When I hear my clients using metrics, I believe they mean "measurements."
Do you use the word metrics? If you do, please comment on how you use it and share an example. Do you mean "measurements," or does metrics have another meaning for you?
Thanks from Joy and me!
Lynn
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