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

Concerns about the economy, persistent inflation and a slowdown in consumer spending are also likely contributors to a reduced hiring outlook, other research shows. —Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 15 Nov. 2025

Rising grocery prices, higher winter energy costs, and persistent affordability concerns have contributed to a bleak outlook among older voters. —Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Nov. 2025

The results offer a potentially bleak outlook for the Republican Party in next year's midterm elections, particularly if voters are motivated by economic factors. —Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 14 Nov. 2025

Here is a look at some of their takeaways and outlook after the entertainment giant’s latest set of results. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 14 Nov. 2025

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
• hornbook

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