outlook

noun

out·​look ˈau̇t-ˌlu̇k How to pronounce outlook (audio)
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.
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for outlook 

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of outlook was in 1667

Dictionary Entries Near outlook

Cite this Entry

“Outlook.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outlook. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

outlook

noun
out·​look ˈau̇t-ˌlu̇k How to pronounce outlook (audio)
1
a
: a place offering a view
b
: a view from a particular place
2
3
: conditions that seem to lie ahead
the outlook for business

More from Merriam-Webster on outlook

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!