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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Somalia proved to be a classic example of mission creep; over time, the goal grew so unwieldy that the United States promised more than it was prepared to deliver. Dennis Ross, Foreign Affairs, 19 Mar. 2025 At the federal level, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the champion of mission creep. Jon Coupal, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2025 Embracing that objective now would represent significant mission creep. Robert S. Ford, Foreign Affairs, 5 Mar. 2025 Image For starters, there is concern about mission creep and the militarization of a civilian security challenge. Carol Rosenberg, New York Times, 19 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mission creep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mission%20creep. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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