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 United States

—Wall Street Jour.

Synonyms of outlook

• overlook
• observatory
• lookout
• tower

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

The economic outlook is also largely positive despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026

Corporate movers Walmart shares tumbled 9% after its outlook disappointed Wall Street, a warning sign for consumer spending heading into the back half of the year from America's largest retailer. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026

Ninety percent of women with a financial advisor have a financial plan, and those women consistently report higher confidence in their retirement outlook, according to RBC Wealth Management’s recent Women and Wealth survey. — Angie O’Leary, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Injury fortunes should factor into 2027 outlook Washington has been fortunate on the injury front up until this point. — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for outlook

• betook
• casebook
• chapbook
• checkbook
• chinook
• codebook
• cookbook
• fishhook
• forsook
• guidebook
• handbook
• logbook

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