English · Work & Business

scope-creep

/skoʊp kriːp/

[/skoʊp kriːp/]

uncontrolled expansion

Advancednoun

Definition

The gradual, uncontrolled expansion of a project's goals beyond its original plan.

Example

Constant new requests caused scope creep that pushed the launch back two months.

Constant new requests caused scope creep that pushed the launch back two months.

Etymology

A compound of 'scope' and 'creep', from project-management jargon.

How & Where It’s Used

Used in project management and software development.

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projectrisk

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