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 U.S.

—Wall Street Jour.

Synonyms

• lookout
• observatory
• overlook

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

Personal finance guru Dave Ramsey has got no time for staffers—particularly young people—who complain about their economic outlook but aren’t willing to put in the work to change it. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 9 Apr. 2024

Employers’ aversion to hiring entry-level candidates is driven by lower confidence in the outlook, according to a REC survey showing sentiment toward hiring and investment decisions at a 12-month low. —Isabella Ward, Fortune Europe, 8 Apr. 2024

Hours before a total solar eclipse crosses over Indiana, the National Weather Service in Indianapolis has released its latest weather outlook for April 8. —John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 8 Apr. 2024

Hours before a solar eclipse crosses over North America, the National Weather Service in Kentucky has released its latest weather outlook for April 8. —John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 8 Apr. 2024

Depending on current market conditions and the Fund's outlook over time, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objectives by opportunistically investing at least 80% of its total assets in equity securities. —Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2024

A lot has changed in the past eight years, including Kaine's outlook on the world around him. —Kyler Alvord, Peoplemag, 8 Apr. 2024

Jackson’s outlook differs from the majority of Americans, according to a recent report from the Pew Research Center, which found that only about 1 in 10 adults say marijuana should not be legal at all. —Lateshia Beachum, Washington Post, 7 Apr. 2024

Its climate-conscious outlook is also enticing travelers looking for a new summer city break. —Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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