prospect

[pros-pekt]

noun

1. Usually prospects

   1. an apparent probability of advancement, success, profit, etc.

   2. the outlook for the future.

      good business prospects.

2. anticipation; expectation; a looking forward.

3. something in view as a source of profit.

4. a potential or likely customer, client, etc.

5. a potential or likely candidate.

6. a view, especially of scenery; scene.

7. outlook or view over a region or in a particular direction.

8. a mental view or survey, as of a subject or situation.

   Synonyms: perspective

9. Mining.

   1. an apparent indication of ore or native metal.

   2. a place giving such indications.

   3. a mine working or excavation undertaken in a search for additional ore.

10. Archaic.,  sight; range of vision.

verb (used with object)

1. to search or explore (a region), as for gold.

2. to work (a mine or claim) experimentally in order to test its value.

3. to make a careful survey of; examine or evaluate.

   Another local firm uses the same telemarketer to prospect the northern Brisbane market.

verb (used without object)

1. to search or explore a region for gold or the like.

2. to make a search; look for something.

   As a freelancer, you will be prospecting for clients.

prospect

noun

1. (sometimes plural) a probability or chance for future success, esp as based on present work or aptitude

   a good job with prospects

2. a vision of the future; what is foreseen; expectation

   she was excited at the prospect of living in London

   unemployment presents a grim prospect

3. a view or scene, esp one offering an extended outlook

4. a prospective buyer, project, etc

5. a survey or observation

6. mining

   1. a known or likely deposit of ore

   2. the location of a deposit of ore

   3. a sample of ore for testing

   4. the yield of mineral obtained from a sample of ore

verb

1. to explore (a region) for gold or other valuable minerals

2. (tr) to work (a mine) to discover its profitability

3. to search (for)

Other Word Forms

• prospectless adjective
• prospector noun
• nonprospect noun
• underprospect noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of prospect¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English prospecte, from Latin prōspectus “outlook, view”; prospectus

Word History and Origins

Origin of prospect¹

C15: from Latin prōspectus distant view, from prōspicere to look into the distance, from prō- forward + specere to look

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. in prospect, under consideration; expected; in view.

   He had no other alternative in prospect.

Synonym Study

See view.

Example Sentences

And she said there is little prospect of it taking the place of the main material currently used for computer chips.

From BBC

For Australians Dennis and Taryna Wawn from Perth, excited by the prospect of a home at sea, the advert on Facebook couldn't have come at a better time as they planned their retirement.

From BBC

Experts say the prospect of a union gives some gig workers their first-ever outlet to vent frustrations about workplace conditions.

From Los Angeles Times

It feels as if my diet has gone from bountiful to bland, my prospects from mysterious to mundane.

From Los Angeles Times

The leader discussed a myriad of other issues, including defence and the party's general election prospects.

From BBC

Related Words

• anticipation 
• chance 
• expectation 
• forecast 
• future 
• hope 
• likelihood 
• plan 
• possibility 
• probability 
• promise 
• proposal 
• thought 

When To Use

What does prospect mean?

A prospect is a specific outlook for one’s future, usually leaning toward a positive outcome. It is often used in the plural, as in If Julie doesn’t improve her grades, her prospects for college will be slim.More generally, prospect is a looking forward or anticipation, as in With all this extra work, the prospect of going home early isn’t looking good.In business, prospect has several specific meanings. A prospect could be a source of profit, such as a new product.Prospect could also be a potential client or customer, as in The sales team is always looking for prospects to sell to.Or a prospect could be a potential employee, as in HR sent us several prospects for our job opening.To prospect means to search, often for something that will provide a positive outcome, like a job or a client.More specifically, prospect is used to mean to explore an area for gold or similar, as in The gold rush of 1849 led to a lot of prospecting in California.Example: I gave up all of my prospects in banking to chase my passion for photography.