prospect

American  

[pros-pekt] / ˈprɒs pɛkt /

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.

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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.

idioms

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

   He had no other alternative in prospect.

prospect British  

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

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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)

Usage

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.

Related Words

See view.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of prospect

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

Example Sentences

"For many, the driver is not only poverty but a lack of prospects - the feeling that there is nothing to lose," he says.

From BBC

The prospect of a conflict in the crude-rich Middle East has sent oil prices surging this week, and they continued to rise Friday, putting them around their highest levels since June.

From Barron's

As a child in California, she was a skating prodigy and the brightest American prospect—until she burned out and left the sport.

From The Wall Street Journal

Porter was initially viewed as having a potential edge in the race, but her prospects dimmed after videos emerged in October of the UC Irvine law professor scolding a reporter and swearing at an aide.

From Los Angeles Times

For much of the past century, the prospect of Americans winning Olympic medals in cross-country skiing seemed about as likely as Norway taking over baseball.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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