prospect

[ pros-pekt ]

noun

1. Usually prospects.
   1. an apparent probability of advancement, success, profit, etc.
   2. the outlook for the future:

      good business prospects.

2. anticipation; expectation; a looking forward.
3. something in view as a source of profit.
4. a potential or likely customer, client, etc.
5. a potential or likely candidate.
6. a view, especially of scenery; scene.
7. outlook or view over a region or in a particular direction.
8. a mental view or survey, as of a subject or situation.

   Synonyms: perspective

9. Mining.
   1. an apparent indication of ore or native metal.
   2. a place giving such indications.
   3. a mine working or excavation undertaken in a search for additional ore.
10. Archaic. sight; range of vision.

verb (used with object)

1. to search or explore (a region), as for gold.
2. to work (a mine or claim) experimentally in order to test its value.
3. to make a careful survey of; examine or evaluate:

   Another local firm uses the same telemarketer to prospect the northern Brisbane market.

verb (used without object)

1. to search or explore a region for gold or the like.
2. to make a search; look for something:

   As a freelancer, you will be prospecting for clients.

prospect

noun

1. sometimes plural a probability or chance for future success, esp as based on present work or aptitude

   a good job with prospects

2. a vision of the future; what is foreseen; expectation

   she was excited at the prospect of living in London

   unemployment presents a grim prospect

3. a view or scene, esp one offering an extended outlook
4. a prospective buyer, project, etc
5. a survey or observation
6. mining
   1. a known or likely deposit of ore
   2. the location of a deposit of ore
   3. a sample of ore for testing
   4. the yield of mineral obtained from a sample of ore

verb

1. whenintr, often foll by for to explore (a region) for gold or other valuable minerals
2. tr to work (a mine) to discover its profitability
3. introften foll byfor to search (for)

Derived Forms

• ˈprospectless, adjective

Other Words From

• pros·pect·less adjective
• pros·pec·tor [pros, -pek-ter, pr, uh, -, spek, -ter], noun
• non·pros·pect noun
• un·der·pros·pect noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of prospect¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English prospecte, from Latin prōspectus “outlook, view”; prospectus

Word History and Origins

Origin of prospect¹

C15: from Latin prōspectus distant view, from prōspicere to look into the distance, from prō- forward + specere to look

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. in prospect, under consideration; expected; in view:

   He had no other alternative in prospect.

Synonym Study

See view.

Example Sentences

Trying to treat the biosolids before disposal is a very expensive prospect, Scott said.

From Science Daily

The prospect of paying more for consumer goods was especially unappealing after years of high inflation, which has led to a persistent feeling among many people that they’re on shaky financial footing.

From Los Angeles Times

It is not just a business, but an identity, a belonging, a geographical rootedness – and the prospect of not being able to pass it on generates huge anger and emotion.

From BBC

The prince plays the part of a nervous customer as he faces the prospect of getting a first tattoo from US singer Jelly Roll.

From BBC

The proof of concept was there: When the Democrats switched to a higher-dominance mode, they controlled the narrative, their prospects brightened and Trump stalled.

From Salon

Related Words

• anticipation
• chance
• expectation
• forecast
• future
• hope
• likelihood
• plan
• possibility
• probability
• promise
• proposal
• thought

More About Prospect

What does prospect mean?

A prospect is a specific outlook for one’s future, usually leaning toward a positive outcome. It is often used in the plural, as in If Julie doesn’t improve her grades, her prospects for college will be slim.

More generally, prospect is a looking forward or anticipation, as in With all this extra work, the prospect of going home early isn’t looking good.

In business, prospect has several specific meanings. A prospect could be a source of profit, such as a new product.

Prospect could also be a potential client or customer, as in The sales team is always looking for prospects to sell to.

Or a prospect could be a potential employee, as in HR sent us several prospects for our job opening.

To prospect means to search, often for something that will provide a positive outcome, like a job or a client.

More specifically, prospect is used to mean to explore an area for gold or similar, as in The gold rush of 1849 led to a lot of prospecting in California.

Example: I gave up all of my prospects in banking to chase my passion for photography.

Where does prospect come from?

The first records of the term prospect come from the 1400s. It comes from the Latin prōspectus, meaning “outlook” or “view.”

If you have something you’re planning for  or expecting, you might say that it’s in prospect, as in The building designs are in prospect right now. You can also use this phrase when you’re making a major change in your life, like looking for a new job. You would say your plans are in prospect.

If you’re in prospect of becoming a word nerd, we’d say that if you keep reading our articles, your prospects are very good!

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to prospect?

• prospectless (adjective)
• prospector (noun)
• prospecting (noun, adjective, verb)
• underprospect (noun)

What are some synonyms for prospect?

• anticipation
• chance
• forecast
• aspect

What are some words that share a root or word element with prospect? 

• prospective
• prospectus
• prospector

What are some words that often get used in discussing prospect?

• business
• economic
• property
• venture

How is prospect used in real life?

Prospect is often used in relatively formal situations, especially regarding money or property, but can also be used in casual conversations.

The tremendous excitement at the prospect of going home to lie down quietly for as long as possible

— VeryBritishProblems (@SoVeryBritish) December 11, 2015

Can't sleep, I see the prospect of breakfast slipping away… #insomnia

— Dan Richards (@GuitarmanDan) June 22, 2015

Red Sox agree to a deal with Cuban prospect Yoan Moncada. (via @MLB)

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 23, 2015

 

Try using prospect!

Is prospect used correctly in the following sentence?

With three strong job offers to consider, Juan had no prospects for his future.