What is the desired result or purpose toward which one is working known as?

The term that best represents the desired result or purpose toward which one is working is "goal." In various contexts, goals provide a clear direction and serve as a benchmark for measuring progress. They can be both short-term and long-term and are often specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This terminology emphasizes not just the aspiration but the concrete outcomes that one is aiming to achieve.

While "objective," "aim," and "outcome" are related concepts, they are distinct in their meanings. An objective typically refers to a specific target or milestone within the broader scope of a goal. An aim is often a broader intention or aspiration, lacking the measureable specificity that a goal would have. An outcome is the actual result achieved after actions are taken towards a goal but does not define the anticipated direction or purpose that one is working towards. Therefore, "goal" encapsulates the clear intention behind the efforts being made.