Language Research

target · noun C

/ˈtɑr.gɪt/Full view

target (OBJECT/PERSON SHOT AT)

B2 something or someone that you attack, shoot at, try to hit, etc.

Dictionary examples:

a military target

I had four shots but I didn't even hit the target.

Any major airport or station is potentially a terrorist target.

Foreign businesses in the region have become a target for attacks.

Learner example:

Paul Rebere, a famous professional assassin, had been in that room for two hours now, waiting for his target to show up. (First Certificate in English; B2; Catalan)

target (AIM)

B2 something that you intend to achieve

Dictionary example:

If you want to lose weight, you have to set yourself a target.

Learner example:

My target is to be a professional tennis player but I need to work hard for it. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

target (CRITICISM)

C1 usually no plural a person or thing being criticized or blamed for something

Dictionary example:

The president was the main target of the senator's speech.

Learner example:

People get nervous, the bus driver gets nervous and finally the interpreter becomes the target of passengers' complaints. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Polish)

target audience/market, etc.

C2 the group of people that a program, product, etc., is aimed at

Dictionary example:

Children aren't really our target market.

Learner example:

The target audience will be students with intermediate- to upper-intermediate command of the language. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Bulgarian)

target · verb T

/ˈtɑr.gɪt/

target

C2 to aim advertising, criticism, or a product at someone

Dictionary example:

The products are targeted at people in their late twenties.

Learner example:

Although there are many excellent books appropriate to basic and intermediate students, there are not many books targeted at advanced and proficien[t] students. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)