WordGarden.ioscorecard
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /skˈɔːkɑːd/
US
- /ˈskɔrˌkɑrd/
Meanings
Noun
a card or sheet used to record scores in a game or round, especially in golf or cricket
a document or framework used to track and judge performance against goals or criteria
Beyond the definition
A scorecard is not just for sports. You might see one at a baseball game or a golf tournament to keep track of points, but it can also be any record used to judge performance. In a job interview, for example, interviewers may use one to rate candidates based on clear criteria. In a debate, people may even keep a mental record of who made the stronger points. The idea comes from writing points down on a card.
Imagine you are at a boxing match. Every strong punch, every round won, and every key moment is recorded by the judges on a scorecard. That is the basic idea behind the word: a card or record used to keep track of points in a game or competition. Today, though, "scorecard" is used in a much wider way than just sports.
A scorecard can be a structured way to evaluate something: a set of points or criteria used to judge performance, quality, or progress. Businesses use scorecards to review employee performance, looking at things like sales numbers, customer feedback, or whether projects were finished on time. Reporters or voters might make a scorecard for politicians based on voting records or public promises. You might even keep a mental one when comparing choices, such as picking between two schools or deciding which car to buy.
The key idea is that a scorecard helps you compare things in a clear and organized way. It does not just show what happened; it also shows how well something met certain standards or expectations. So whether you are watching a game, reviewing a job candidate, or judging a public debate, a scorecard gives you a simple way to keep track and make a fair comparison.
Examples
- 1
Golf
I wrote the score for each hole on my scorecard as we played.
- 2
Learning app
After every quiz, the app gives you a scorecard with your strong and weak areas.
- 3
Public comparison
The charity published a scorecard comparing local hospitals on waiting times and patient care.
- 4
Political judgment
For many voters, the first year in office is a scorecard on whether a leader keeps their promises.
- Patterna scorecard on + person/thing
a way to judge how well someone or something is doing
See also
Similar
- scoresheet
- tally sheet
- record
Shades of meaning
- rating sheet
- report card
Contrast
- final score
- narrative report
Used with (collocations)
- keep a scorecard
- golf scorecard
- performance scorecard
- balanced scorecard
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- scorecardnoun
Forms
- scorecardspluralnoun