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

While first-round pick Broderick Jones has not lived up to his draft position — Pittsburgh did not pick up his fifth-year option and Jones’ outlook is unclear coming off spinal fusion surgery — the Steelers did hit on a number of mid-round picks. — Mike Defabo, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026

But, over the last month, the stock has rallied more than 26% as investors bet on an improving outlook and hope upcoming blockbuster games spur console sales. — Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026

Tyson Foods' outlook for its beef segment in the 2026 fiscal year is an operating loss between $500 million and $650 million. — Dylan Sherman, Arkansas Online, 14 Aug. 2026

China also faces a worse demographic outlook than Japan did and lacks the institutional infrastructure that enabled Tokyo to gradually recover. — Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 13 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