Scope creep

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

Intermediate

haulage

The logistics industry's fancy term for dragging stuff from Point A to Point B, typically involving large trucks, trains, or ships doing the heavy lifting. It's both the action of hauling things and the business of charging people money for said hauling. Essentially, it's the fee you pay someone else to move your heavy things so you don't have to.

💼 Corporate / Business

Beginner

Double-click

To examine something in greater detail, as if you're opening a folder on your desktop. Usually said right before someone asks you questions you can't answer.

💼 Corporate / Business

Beginner

vice-president

A senior executive who serves as second-in-command, ready to step into the top role when needed, or more commonly, someone who runs an important division while collecting an impressive title. In startups, vice-presidents multiply like rabbits; in established corporations, becoming one actually means something. The corporate equivalent of being heir to the throne, except with more spreadsheets.

💼 Corporate / Business

Intermediate

level set

To ensure everyone has the same (usually minimal) understanding of a situation before proceeding, often because previous meetings accomplished nothing.

💼 Corporate / Business

Intermediate