1. in the motivational theory of U.S. personality psychologist Carol S. Dweck (1946–  ), the goal of demonstrating to others who may be evaluating one’s performance that one possesses a particular ability or other attribute. This is in contrast to a learning goal, in which one aims to develop an ability or attribute.

2. a goal that is set in terms of a specific level of achievement, such as running a mile in 5 minutes 30 seconds. See also goal setting.