forecast

American  

[fawr-kast, -kahst, fohr-] / ˈfɔrˌkæst, -ˌkɑst, ˈfoʊr- /

verb (used with object)

forecast, forecasted, forecasting

1. to predict (a future condition or occurrence); calculate in advance.

   to forecast a heavy snowfall; to forecast lower interest rates.

   Synonyms:

   anticipate, foretell

2. to serve as a prediction of; foreshadow.

3. to contrive or plan beforehand; prearrange.

   Synonyms:

   project

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verb (used without object)

forecast, forecasted, forecasting

1. to conjecture beforehand; make a prediction.

   Synonyms:

   estimate, guess

2. to plan or arrange beforehand.

noun

1. a prediction, especially as to the weather.

2. a conjecture as to something in the future.

   Synonyms:

   estimate, guess

3. the act, practice, or faculty of forecasting.

4. Archaic. foresight in planning.

   Synonyms:

   prescience, forethought

forecast British  

/ ˈfɔːˌkɑːst /

verb

1. to predict or calculate (weather, events, etc), in advance

2. (tr) to serve as an early indication of

3. (tr) to plan in advance

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noun

1. a statement of probable future weather conditions calculated from meteorological data

2. a prophecy or prediction

3. the practice or power of forecasting

Related Words

See predict.

Other Word Forms

• forecastable adjective
• forecaster noun
• reforecast verb (used with object)reforecast, reforecasted, reforecasting
• unforecast adjective
• unforecasted adjective

Etymology

Origin of forecast

First recorded in 1400–50; Middle English (verb) “to plan ahead of time”; fore-, cast ( def. )

Explanation

A forecast is a prediction of what will happen. If the weather forecast calls for sunny skies, consider leaving your umbrella at home. (But, since forecasts aren’t guaranteed to be right, don’t blame us if you get rained on.) While often used in the context of weather, forecast can also be used for other types of predictions such as those related to financial or political outcomes. Note that a forecast is typically a prediction made by experts. So, while a financial analyst might forecast fourth-quarter profits, your prediction about whether your friend will pay back the five dollars he owes you is more of a hunch than a forecast.

Example Sentences

The dollar’s losses deepened slightly after data showed U.S. core inflation rose less than forecast in March.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

A forecast by Ben James, an independent energy analyst, presents a fuller picture, suggesting the average annual electricity bill will be £1,045 by 2030, a rise of about £80.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Global cybercrime is forecast to increase 15% this year, potentially reaching $12.5 trillion in losses..

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

The move followed other downgrades of Nike’s shares in recent days after it forecast more sales declines ahead.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

We can’t forecast rock disturbances on our own surface.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson

Related Words

• anticipate
• augur
• calculate
• conclude
• determine
• estimate
• foresee
• foretell
• gauge
• portend