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

While many bitcoin and crypto traders are nervously eyeing the short-term outlook for the bitcoin price and crypto market, others are confident a downturn will be short-lived. —Billy Bambrough, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025

In fact, a study by Stanford University recently revealed that nearly 80% of seniors who participated in the study reported a more positive outlook after using VR, and close to 60% felt less socially isolated. —Ahunna Okwubunka Anyim, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 2025

The organization’s positive outlook for 2025 was influenced by the likelihood that the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy will ease in 2025 and mortgage rates will stabilize around 6 percent next year. —Sofia Celeste, WWD, 10 Jan. 2025

Average hourly earnings increased 0.3% on the month, which was in line with forecasts, but the 12-month gain of 3.9% was slightly below the outlook and indicative that wage inflation at least is becoming less of a factor. —Jeff Cox, CNBC, 10 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