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forthcoming

American  
[fawrth-kuhm-ing, fohrth-] / ˈfɔrθˈkʌm ɪŋ, ˈfoʊrθ- /

adjective

  1. coming forth, or about to come forth; about to appear; approaching in time.

    the forthcoming concert.

  2. ready or available when required or expected.

    He assured us that payment would be forthcoming.

  3. frank and cooperative; candid.

    In his testimony, the senator could have been more forthcoming.

  4. friendly and outgoing; sociable.


noun

  1. a coming forth; appearance.

forthcoming British  
/ ˌfɔːθˈkʌmɪŋ /

adjective

  1. approaching in time

    the forthcoming debate

  2. about to appear

    his forthcoming book

  3. available or ready

    the money wasn't forthcoming

  4. open or sociable

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • forthcomingness noun
  • unforthcoming adjective

Etymology

Origin of forthcoming

First recorded in 1515–25; forth + coming

Explanation

You know when you go to a movie and they show the previews under the heading "Coming Soon?" They could just as well say forthcoming, because it means the same thing. Only who would want to see that stuffy movie? "Forthcoming with" means "providing" — hopefully your neighbors are forthcoming with candy on Halloween, so you can fill up your bag. Sometimes parents complain that their teenagers are not forthcoming with information about their life at school. When someone is forthcoming, they are open and honest about what they're saying and they do it in a willing and friendly way.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing forthcoming

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Her advice to L.A. daters: be forthcoming and honest about your wants and needs.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

He is also understood to have been encouraged by discussions over the club's future direction, including plans for the forthcoming summer transfer window.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Some investors speculate about forthcoming entrants ahead of the official announcement and buy up shares, on the expectation that they could rise if a company is named to the index.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

The company reportedly has delayed the release of its forthcoming AI model until May after it failed to perform as well as similar products from competitors.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

There would be money forthcoming to pay soldiers for that purpose.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver