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.

Related Words

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