Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

prospective

American  
[pruh-spek-tiv] / prəˈspɛk tɪv /

adjective

  1. of or in the future.

    prospective earnings.

  2. potential, likely, or expected.

    a prospective partner.


prospective British  
/ prəˈspɛktɪv /

adjective

  1. looking towards the future

  2. (prenominal) anticipated or likely

"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

  • prospectively adverb
  • prospectiveness noun

Etymology

Origin of prospective

From the Late Latin word prōspectīvus, dating back to 1580–90. See prospectus, -ive

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.

From New York to Los Angeles, São Paulo to London, prospective viewers waited for hours, sometimes even overnight, for the chance to drop $250 at a movie merch pop-up event.

From Salon

Sellers often ask prospective buyers whether they plan to live in the property they are buying, but those calls have become much more rare over time for Fuller.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, prospective buybacks in years to come “could create a positive surprise,” the analysts wrote.

From Barron's

Still, prospective buybacks in years to come “could create a positive surprise,” the analysts wrote.

From Barron's

In turn, increased efficiency allows them to be meaner toward prospective employees.

From MarketWatch