prospecting

American

[pros-pek-ting] / ˈprɒs pɛk tɪŋ /

noun

the activity of searching for valuable natural resources, as gold or oil.

Foreign energy companies continue to explore for offshore oil, even though international agencies say the prospecting violates international law.
the activity of searching for something, especially prospective or likely customers, clients, etc..

Calling expired listings, knocking on doors to introduce yourself, and placing cold calls from lists of names all come under the umbrella of prospecting.

adjective

of or relating to the activity of searching for valuable natural resources.

The mine has two shafts 600 feet apart: a prospecting shaft over 150 feet deep, and a double compartment shaft over which hoisting machinery is to be placed.
Following a stint as a prospecting geologist in northern Ontario, he enrolled in a PhD program in the UK.
of or relating to the activity of searching for something, especially prospective or likely customers, clients, etc..

The number of days between initial contact and a deal’s closing date is used to calculate the average number of days in the prospecting cycle.

Etymology

Origin of prospecting

First recorded in 1845–50; prospect ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun senses; prospect ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses

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.

See Examples For:

prospecting

Egypt's border force said in June that it had seized 86 tonnes of gold ore along with amateur prospecting equipment.

From BBC ● Oct. 11, 2026

In January, the government proposed opening 70 new blocs to prospecting, more than half of them in the Arctic waters of the Barents Sea.

From Barron's ● Mar. 14, 2026

Though “mine” implies tunnels, the prospecting at La Ciénega took place over a vast area — about 14,000 acres — largely near the surface.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 6, 2025