Mission Creep Definition

Mission creep is the gradual expansion or deviation of a project or mission from its original goals, often without adequate planning or consideration of the consequences.

The term is often used in a negative way to describe how projects can become bogged down in bureaucracy and red tape, making them less effective and efficient. Mission creep can also refer to the gradual expansion of the scope of an operation, leading to its eventual failure.

In either case, mission creep is often seen as a result of poor project management and a lack of clear objectives. It can be very difficult to control once it starts, and can ultimately lead to the downfall of a project or mission.