Funnel, pipeline & opportunity stages · Core
Pipeline stage
Also called: deal stage
ELI5
A defined step in the sales process used to classify an opportunity.
Used in conversation
“The account plan should show how pipeline stage affects the next step.”
Pitch context
You will see “Pipeline stage” in go-to-market plans, sales forecasts, account reviews and commercial proposals when the discussion reaches funnel, pipeline & opportunity stages.
Why it matters: It helps a reader interpret funnel, pipeline & opportunity stages without confusing the measure, decision, role or evidence being discussed.
Sources & evidence · 2
Supporting source families. This entry is an editorial synthesis rather than a quotation from one canonical glossary.
- U.S. Small Business Administration — Write your business planSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- IFRS Foundation — IFRS GlossarySupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16