outcome

American

[out-kuhm] / ˈaʊtˌkʌm /

noun

a final product or end result; consequence; issue.
a conclusion reached through a process of logical thinking.

outcome British

/ ˈaʊtˌkʌm /

noun

something that follows from an action, dispute, situation, etc; result; consequence

"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

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

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.

The manner of the loss at City does little to inspire confidence they can avoid a similar outcome against the European champions, who so ruthlessly tore Chelsea apart in the last round.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

What they do need are mechanisms for collective decision-making for maximum efficacy — identifying people the movement trusts “to sit at the table” and deliver a better outcome.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

“The more realistic outcome is that alternatives become a modest ‘sleeve’ inside professionally managed options—target-date funds, multi-asset portfolios, or white-label funds in large plans.”

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

But worse yet, they said, the outcome “would cast a shadow over the citizenship of millions upon millions of Americans, going back generations.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

The girls made campaigning more relaxing, if only because they weren't much invested in the outcome.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023