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

   unemployment presents a grim prospect

   she was excited at the prospect of living in London

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

Then, German troops enlisted by the Brits (Hessians) began to attack at Battle Pass, located in Prospect Park.

From The Daily Beast

He married Chirlane in a ceremony in Prospect Park in Brooklyn.

From The Daily Beast

As a child of Tornado Alley myself, I endorse the sentiment in this American Prospect piece by Monica Potts.

From The Daily Beast

She thanked him now over her cellphone as she stood in the Clean and Bright Laundromat on Prospect Avenue.

From The Daily Beast

At The American Prospect, Abby Rapoport cites a new study as evidence it won't happen.

From The Daily Beast

Prospect House turned out to be a detached villa standing in a garden, with a broad view of the Channel.

From Project Gutenberg

The remains of the American entrenchments on Prospect hill were demolished in 1817.

From Project Gutenberg

Prospect of wintering between the Luschnitz and the Sazawa there is now little; unless they will fight us, and be beaten.

From Project Gutenberg

The development of Prospect Park has been a matter of great pride and gratification to the city.

From Project Gutenberg

Major-General Putnam assembled his division, upon the heights of Prospect hill, to hear it.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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