1. the two upright posts with a crossbar that form the goal in sports like soccer, football, or rugby
2. the standards or criteria used to judge success or failure
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The soccer ball hit the goalposts and bounced back onto the field.
• The football sailed between the goalposts for a successful field goal.
• They painted the goalposts bright yellow so they would be more visible.
• The company keeps moving the goalposts every time we think we’ve met their requirements.
• Don’t move the goalposts now that we’re close to finishing the project.
• The goalposts were damaged in the storm and needed to be replaced.
• She accused her boss of constantly shifting the goalposts for promotion.