What is the term used in project management that refers to uncontrolled growth in a project's scope after it has begun?

The term that refers to uncontrolled growth in a project's scope after it has begun is "scope creep." This phenomenon occurs when new features, tasks, or requirements are added to a project without proper control or approval, often leading to delays, budget overruns, and stretched resources.

Scope creep typically arises from a lack of clear project requirements or inadequate change management processes. It can significantly impact the overall success of a project by diluting focus and increasing complexity, making it essential for project managers to actively monitor and manage scope changes throughout the project's lifecycle.

In contrast, the other terms do not specifically address the issue of uncontrolled scope changes. "Project drift" generally refers to a project losing its focus or original direction, rather than the specific addition of new scope. "Project expansion" suggests a planned growth of the project, which is organized and controlled rather than uncontrolled like scope creep. "Value enhancement" implies improving the quality or effectiveness of a project, but it does not address the concept of scope expansion in an uncontrolled manner.