Scope creep

Beginner 💼 Corporate / Business

Definition

The gradual expansion of a project beyond its original boundaries, like a blob in a horror movie consuming everything in its path. The reason every 'quick project' takes six months.

Example Usage

What started as updating the logo has scope creeped into redesigning our entire brand identity and somehow remodeling the lobby.

Origin

Project management terminology, popularized in the 1990s

Fun Fact

Scope creep is responsible for approximately 80% of all project delays and 100% of project managers' anxiety.

Source: Project management terminology

Related Terms

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