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

This month's most concerning figure came from a sharp fall in Americans' short-term outlook for income, business conditions and job opportunities. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

Whether tariffs, labor or tax cuts, or a tepid outlook on interest rate cuts, people hope for a better year, with a dose of what's next. —Erik Logan, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024

Kulkarni wrote that his catalysts for Uber included the company’s market leadership and network scale, growing insulation to macro uncertainty, improving structural profitability and a more upbeat regulatory and insurance outlook. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 24 Dec. 2024

The National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook for Monday. —Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 23 Dec. 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