outcome
Americannoun
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a final product or end result; consequence; issue.
-
a conclusion reached through a process of logical thinking.
noun
Related Words
See end 1.
Etymology
Origin of outcome
First recorded in 1175–1225, outcome is from the Middle English word utcume. See out-, come
Explanation
The result of something, or the consequence of it, is the outcome. If your oldest child announces that your youngest child has climbed onto the roof with a handmade set of wings, you should probably not expect a good outcome. Better run! The noun outcome refers to the result of a process, but recently, when joined with the word "based", it has become jargon within a variety of industries and you'll see uses like outcome-based medicine and outcome-based budgeting. Outcome-based education, for example, rewards schools and teachers whose students meet certain goals on standardized tests, although critics argue this robs teachers and students of creativity.
Vocabulary lists containing outcome
List 10
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100 SAT words Beginning with "O"
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Chapter 18: The Reconstruction Era
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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.
Appeared in the April 11, 2026, print edition as 'On Iran Outcome, Nobody Knows Anything—Yet'.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026
Outcome: The Israeli military declared the raid a success, saying soldiers dismantled laboratories for manufacturing explosives and removed weapons.
From New York Times • Jul. 5, 2023
Outcome: Following the penalty appeal, Tottenham won the game thanks to a late Harry Kane goal, boosting their chances of a top-four finish and denting Brighton's hopes of making the European places.
From BBC • Apr. 19, 2023
Outcome reflects only results and accounts for the lion’s share of the stats universe.
From Washington Post • Sep. 9, 2022
It was a surreal comic of my life, and I pictured the worst possible Outcome: “Annie. Would it be okay if I sat down with you for a minute?”
From "Winger" by Andrew Smith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
