outlook

noun

out·​look ˈau̇t-ˌlu̇k 

1

a

: a place offering a view

b

: a view from a particular place

2

: point of view

a positive outlook on life

3

: the act of looking out

4

: the prospect for the future

the outlook for steel demand in the U.S.

—Wall Street Jour.

Synonyms

• lookout
• observatory
• overlook

Choose the Right Synonym for outlook

prospect, outlook, anticipation, foretaste mean an advance realization of something to come.

prospect implies expectation of a particular event, condition, or development of definite interest or concern.

the prospect of a quiet weekend

outlook suggests a forecasting of the future.

a favorable outlook for the economy

anticipation implies a prospect or outlook that involves advance suffering or enjoyment of what is foreseen.

the anticipation of her arrival

foretaste implies an actual though brief or partial experience of something forthcoming.

the frost was a foretaste of winter

Examples of outlook in a Sentence

The students all seemed to have the same outlook.

Despite our differences in outlook, we got along together very well.

scenic outlooks along the highway

Recent Examples on the Web

Murphy said the winter forecast predicts more dry weather, though the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s seasonal outlook predicted above-average temperatures with equal chances of precipitation above or below average levels. —Melissa Chan, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024

England and Gage said this money changed the company’s outlook and led to its demise. —Max Scheinblum, The Denver Post, 13 Nov. 2024

The allowance for credit losses was $48.0 million, representing 1.20% of total loans, down from 1.25% at the end of 2023 due to improved economic outlook. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024

Mortgage rates — which don't move in lockstep with changes in the federal funds rate — have gone up based on various headwinds, including the outlook for the economy and the 2024 presidential election. —Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

outlook

noun

out·​look ˈau̇t-ˌlu̇k 

1

a

: a place offering a view

b

: a view from a particular place

2

: point of view

3

: conditions that seem to lie ahead

the outlook for business