target, objective

Literally, a target is something to be shot at, but its meaning has been extended to include any desired object and also anything that is to be acted upon with a view to altering it. An objective is something worked toward as a goal. Target has become a "fad" word in recent years and is often misused for objective. One can have a target or an objective in life, such as becoming a millionaire, but although one can raise or lower his target, it seems silly to speak of "achieving a target." If one wishes to stop overusing target and desires to reduce his use of objective, he can try purpose, goal, intent, intention, end, aim, and object.