Prospect: meaning, definitions and examples

Examining as it is listed twice. Use when referring to a future possibility, often one that is particularly promising or exciting. It is commonly used in business, career, or personal growth contexts.

• The prospect of getting a promotion excites her.
• We are exploring new business prospects in the European market.

An option that might happen or be true, without any specific implication of probability or desirability. It is a neutral term and can fit in various contexts.

• There's a possibility that the meeting will be rescheduled.
• Many possibilities exist for renewable energy sources.

Used to describe the probability or statistical measure of how likely something is to happen. This term is often found in more formal or analytical contexts.

• The likelihood of winning the lottery is very low.
• There's a high likelihood that the new policy will be implemented next month.

Refers to the inherent ability or capacity for growth, development, or future success. Often used in personal, academic, career, or project evaluation contexts.

• She has the potential to become a great leader.
• This city has a lot of potential for economic development.

Denotes a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something, generally positive and actionable. It is commonly used in professional, educational, and personal growth contexts.

• This internship offers a great opportunity to gain real-world experience.
• She seized the opportunity to start her own business.

Refers to a random or accidental possibility, something that can happen without any guarantee. It is often used in casual or informal contexts and can imply a smaller likelihood.

• There's a chance it might rain tomorrow.
• I hope I get the chance to travel this summer.

Used when talking about the possibility or likelihood of some future event happening.

• The prospect of a promotion excited her.
• There is little prospect of rain this weekend.

Used to refer to the ability to see something, often from a particular place, or someone's opinion on a topic.

• The hotel room has a great view of the ocean.
• His view on the matter is quite different from hers.

Refers to the natural features of a landscape, often focusing on its beauty.

• The drive offered stunning scenery.
• Tourists come here to enjoy the lovely scenery.

Refers to someone's general attitude toward life or a specific future situation.

• His outlook on life is very positive.
• The economic outlook for the next year is gloomy.

Usually refers to the physical features of an area of land, often in a more natural or rural setting.

• The artist painted a beautiful landscape.
• The mountainous landscape was breathtaking.

Often used to describe an extensive and pleasing view, usually from a high position.

• They climbed to the top of the hill to enjoy the vista.
• The window framed a lovely vista of the valley.

Used when looking for mineral deposits or potential areas of interest, often in a business or exploration context. It can also mean considering potential outcomes or futures.

• The company is prospecting for gold in the mountains.
• She was excited about the prospect of a promotion.

Best used when talking about discovering new regions, ideas, or subjects. It often suggests thorough and thoughtful investigation.

• The scientists are exploring new ways to fight cancer.
• Let's explore this cave on our hike.

Used for looking for something or someone, often implying that the subject is lost or hard to find. Can be informal or formal.

• I searched everywhere for my keys.
• The rescue team is searching for survivors.

Typically used when systematically collecting data or opinions, often via questionnaires or observation. It's also used in land measurement.

• We need to survey the residents about the new park.
• The engineers surveyed the plot before construction began.

Appropriate when referring to a formal, methodical examination into facts or crimes. Often used in legal or scientific contexts.

• The police are investigating the robbery.
• The scientist investigated the properties of the new element.

Commonly used when literally breaking ground or excavating dirt, but also in informal speech meaning to deeply explore a topic. It can have a slightly informal tone.

• We need to dig a trench for the new drainage system.
• I really dig your new style!