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 Moody's explains in its report that the school can improve its outlook by bolstering its cash reserves. The Arizona Republic, 14 Mar. 2024 But its Senate outlook looks rosier after Wednesday’s sweeping House vote, with the two leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee putting their support behind the legislation. Mariana Alfaro, Washington Post, 13 Mar. 2024 The ambitions signal automakers’ emphasis on innovation will continue even in the face of an uncertain consumer demand outlook. Bloomberg, Fortune Asia, 10 Mar. 2024 The difference in temperature outlooks over the next few months is largely tied to how quickly that transition takes place, Wachter said. Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 Three of the top five scorers on this year’s team (Maxime Raynaud, Spencer Jones and Brandon Angel) were on the 2022 edition that was the source of Muir’s optimistic outlook. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2024 Analysts are cautious about the outlook of the trade sector. Laura He, CNN, 7 Mar. 2024 Adding to the turbulent outlook for Lee and Porter is anticipated low turnout in the solidly blue where Republicans have made subtle inroads in recent years, flipping a handful of House seats in the midterm elections. Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2024 Wondering about the job outlook for each position? Both positions have positive growth, with CPAs expected to grow 6% and demand for tax attorneys up 10% by 2028. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'outlook.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 28 Mar. 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
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