forecast

American  

[fawr-kast, -kahst, fohr-] / ˈfɔrˌkæst, -ˌkɑst, ˈfoʊr- /

verb (used with object)

forecast, forecasted, forecasting

1. to predict (a future condition or occurrence); calculate in advance.

   to forecast a heavy snowfall; to forecast lower interest rates.

   Synonyms:

   anticipate, foretell

2. to serve as a prediction of; foreshadow.

3. to contrive or plan beforehand; prearrange.

   Synonyms:

   project

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verb (used without object)

forecast, forecasted, forecasting

1. to conjecture beforehand; make a prediction.

   Synonyms:

   estimate, guess

2. to plan or arrange beforehand.

noun

1. a prediction, especially as to the weather.

2. a conjecture as to something in the future.

   Synonyms:

   estimate, guess

3. the act, practice, or faculty of forecasting.

4. Archaic. foresight in planning.

   Synonyms:

   prescience, forethought

forecast British  

/ ˈfɔːˌkɑːst /

verb

1. to predict or calculate (weather, events, etc), in advance

2. (tr) to serve as an early indication of

3. (tr) to plan in advance

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noun

1. a statement of probable future weather conditions calculated from meteorological data

2. a prophecy or prediction

3. the practice or power of forecasting

Related Words

See predict.

Other Word Forms

• forecastable adjective
• forecaster noun
• reforecast verb (used with object)reforecast, reforecasted, reforecasting
• unforecast adjective
• unforecasted adjective

Etymology

Origin of forecast

First recorded in 1400–50; Middle English (verb) “to plan ahead of time”; fore-, cast ( def. )

Explanation

A forecast is a prediction of what will happen. If the weather forecast calls for sunny skies, consider leaving your umbrella at home. (But, since forecasts aren’t guaranteed to be right, don’t blame us if you get rained on.) While often used in the context of weather, forecast can also be used for other types of predictions such as those related to financial or political outcomes. Note that a forecast is typically a prediction made by experts. So, while a financial analyst might forecast fourth-quarter profits, your prediction about whether your friend will pay back the five dollars he owes you is more of a hunch than a forecast.

Example Sentences

This year’s water supply forecast is still expected to meet “close to” 40% of the city’s annual demand, the agency said in a news release.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Revenue totaled $5.95 billion, down 1% from last year and ahead of Wall Street’s forecast of $5.7 billion.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Albertsons shares were knocked lower Tuesday after the grocery-store chain forecast weaker-than-expected sales trends for this year and said surging gas prices were starting to squeeze some consumers.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

The IMF said most Middle East oil exporters are forecast for an upturn next year "based on the assumption that energy production and transportation are normalized over the next few months".

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

It’s open to a weather app with the forecast for the week—bright and sunny, every day.

From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon

Related Words

• anticipate
• augur
• calculate
• conclude
• determine
• estimate
• foresee
• foretell
• gauge
• portend