prospecting
Americannoun
-
the activity of searching for valuable natural resources, as gold or oil.
Foreign energy companies continue to explore for offshore oil, even though international agencies say the prospecting violates international law.
-
the activity of searching for something, especially prospective or likely customers, clients, etc..
Calling expired listings, knocking on doors to introduce yourself, and placing cold calls from lists of names all come under the umbrella of prospecting.
adjective
-
of or relating to the activity of searching for valuable natural resources.
The mine has two shafts 600 feet apart: a prospecting shaft over 150 feet deep, and a double compartment shaft over which hoisting machinery is to be placed.
Following a stint as a prospecting geologist in northern Ontario, he enrolled in a PhD program in the UK.
-
of or relating to the activity of searching for something, especially prospective or likely customers, clients, etc..
The number of days between initial contact and a deal’s closing date is used to calculate the average number of days in the prospecting cycle.
Etymology
Origin of prospecting
First recorded in 1845–50; prospect ( def. ) + -ing 1 ( def. ) for the noun senses; prospect ( def. ) + -ing 2 ( def. ) for the adjective senses
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.
Rio Tinto pays 2.5% in royalties to Hancock Prospecting, with Justice Jennifer Smith ruling half belongs to the Wright family.
From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026
The sport’s national governing body is working to reach a compromise with Indigenous player Donnell Wallam after re-affirming its sponsorship deal with mining company Hancock Prospecting.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 18, 2022
Vulcan is backed in part by Hancock Prospecting, led by Executive Chairman Gina Rinehart, one of Australia’s leading investors.
From Reuters • Aug. 2, 2021
Prospecting for gold... in the Los Angeles River?
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2019
Prospecting for gold, skin-diving for sunken treasure—these were but two of the projects Perry had ardently proposed.
From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote
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.
