What is defined as a standard or measure against which something can be judged?

A criterion serves as a standard or measure against which something can be judged or assessed. It provides a basis for decision-making, evaluation, or comparison. For example, when evaluating a project, specific criteria may include factors like effectiveness, efficiency, and relevance. These criteria help establish whether the project meets certain standards and can influence the final judgment or recommendation.

In contrast, an assumption is a belief or statement taken for granted without proof, an evaluation refers to the process of assessing or judging something based on established criteria, and a guideline serves as a general principle or instruction. While all relate to judgment in some form, only a criterion specifically denotes a standard used to make comparisons or judgments.