1tar·get 
/ˈtɑɚgət/ noun
plural tar·gets /ˈtɑɚgət/ noun [count] 1 : something that you are trying to do or achieve
▪ We failed to meet/reach this month's sales targets. [=goals] ▪ Our target amount for the fund-raiser is $2,500. ▪ They set a target date of May 31. 2 : a place, thing, or person at which an attack is aimed
▪ Planes struck at key military targets. ▪ He was a favorite target of the media. [=the media often attacked/criticized him] ▪ Her policies have been a target for/of criticism. [=criticism has been aimed/directed at her policies] ▪ Tourists are often easy targets for thieves. ▪ The bullet found its target. [=the bullet hit the target it was aimed at] — often used figuratively ▪ Men in this age group are prime targets for heart disease. [=are more likely than most other people to be affected by heart disease] 3 : the person or group that someone is trying to influence, sell something to, etc. — often used before another noun ▪ Their target audience/market is teenagers. 4 : something (such as a round board with circles on it) that you try to hit with arrows, bullets, etc.
▪ I aimed at the target and fired. ▪ a moving target ▪ target shooting/practice
▪ We failed to meet/reach this month's sales targets. [=goals] ▪ Our target amount for the fund-raiser is $2,500. ▪ They set a target date of May 31.
▪ Planes struck at key military targets. ▪ He was a favorite target of the media. [=the media often attacked/criticized him] ▪ Her policies have been a target for/of criticism. [=criticism has been aimed/directed at her policies] ▪ Tourists are often easy targets for thieves. ▪ The bullet found its target. [=the bullet hit the target it was aimed at] — often used figuratively ▪ Men in this age group are prime targets for heart disease. [=are more likely than most other people to be affected by heart disease]
▪ I aimed at the target and fired. ▪ a moving target ▪ target shooting/practice
off target 1 : not correct or accurate
▪ Her accusations are way off target. 2 : not likely to reach a goal
▪ We are off target in terms of sales this quarter.
▪ Her accusations are way off target.
▪ We are off target in terms of sales this quarter.
on target 1 : correct or accurate
▪ His predictions are always on target. 2 : likely to reach a goal
▪ We are on target to meet this month's sales goals.
▪ His predictions are always on target.
▪ We are on target to meet this month's sales goals.
