mission creep

noun

: the gradual broadening of the original objectives of a mission or organization

Examples of mission creep in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Critics saw it as mission creep, arguing that the agency was drifting from its core infrastructure protection role into politically sensitive territory. Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025 Instead of efficiency, the target should have been effectiveness, which ultimately determines an organization’s value, as well as better ensuring that agencies remain focused on the mission for which they were established, thus safeguarding against mission creep. James Cramer, Baltimore Sun, 14 May 2025 The growth in spending came not because the city is doing a better job of providing basic services, but because of mission creep on new programs that have failed to achieve their goals. Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2025 The lack of strong leadership and clear focus has led to mission creep, with no single thing being done particularly well, and decisions being hindered by slow processes. Alexander S. Blume, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for mission creep

Word History

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mission creep was in 1991

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Cite this Entry

“Mission creep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mission%20creep. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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