future

play

adjective fu·ture \ˈfyü-chər\

Definition of future

1 : that is to be; specifically : existing after death doctrine of a future life — John Kenrick
2 : of, relating to, or constituting a verb tense expressive of time yet to come
3 : existing or occurring at a later time met his future wife We cannot foretell future events.

See future defined for English-language learners

See future defined for kids

Examples of future in a Sentence

We cannot predict future events.
Future generations will benefit from this research.

Origin and Etymology of future

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin futurus about to be — more at be

First Known Use: 14th century

future

noun fu·ture

Definition of future

1a : time that is to comeb : what is going to happen
2 : an expectation of advancement or progressive development
3 : something (such as a bulk commodity) bought for future acceptance or sold for future delivery —usually used in plural grain futures
4a : the future tense of a languageb : a verb form in the future tense

See future defined for English-language learners

Examples of future in a Sentence

We're making plans for the future.
They will hire more people sometime in the future.
What do you think you will be doing in the future?
What does the future hold for you?
It's impossible to predict the future.
The company faces an uncertain future.
The future was already decided for her.

Origin and Etymology of future

see ¹future

First Known Use: 15th century

FUTURE Defined for English Language Learners

future

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adjective

Definition of future for English Language Learners

: coming after the present time : existing in the future
—used to say what someone or something will be

future

noun

Definition of future for English Language Learners

: the period of time that will come after the present time
the future : the events that will happen after the present time
: the condition or situation of someone or something in the time that will come

FUTURE Defined for Kids

future

play

adjective fu·ture \ˈfyü-chər\

Definition of future for Students

: coming after the present future events

future

play

noun fu·ture

Definition of future for Students

1 : the period of time that is to come What will happen in the future?
2 : the chance of future success You have a bright future.

Law Dictionary

future

noun fu·ture

Legal Definition of future

: a contract traded on an exchange in which a party agrees to buy or sell a quantity of a bulk commodity (as soybeans) at a specified future date and at a set price —usually used in plural

Additional Notes on future

If the price of the commodity has gone up when the future date arrives, the buyer in the contract profits. If the price has gone down, the seller profits.