What is meant by "scope creep" in project management?

Scope creep refers to the phenomenon where a project's requirements and deliverables expand beyond the originally defined scope without corresponding changes to time, budget, or resources. This typically occurs when additional features or tasks are added incrementally, often without formal approval or adjustments to project agreements.

When work is performed beyond what was initially agreed upon—without an increase in fees, budget, or a formal amendment to the project plan—this results in scope creep. It can significantly impact the progress and success of a project as it can lead to resource strain, timeline delays, and difficulties in meeting stakeholder expectations.

In contrast, increasing the project budget for unforeseen issues relates to adjustments made under recognized constraints rather than uncontrolled expansion of project parameters. Reducing the timeline for project completion and limiting the number of personnel also do not capture the essence of scope creep, which fundamentally revolves around the unauthorized extension of project duties.