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

In this instance, policies implemented during Donald Trump’s former presidency and the potential for their return with his re-election will have implications for the outlook of this demographic. —Sughnen Yongo, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

The longer-term outlook suggests that, on the heels of this storm, there could be more weeks of dry weather. —Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025

Reeves expressed optimism over the outlook for U.K.-U.S. commerce. —Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2025

The impending return of the debt limit risks a default that could upend global financial markets, and investors and rating agencies are on edge about the fiscal outlook. —Andrew Duehren, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025

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