prospective

[pruh-spek-tiv]

adjective

1. of or in the future.

   prospective earnings.

2. potential, likely, or expected.

   a prospective partner.

prospective

/ prəˈspɛktɪv /

adjective

1. looking towards the future

2. (prenominal) anticipated or likely

Other Word Forms

• prospectively adverb
• prospectiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of prospective¹

From the Late Latin word prōspectīvus, dating back to 1580–90. See prospectus, -ive

Example Sentences

“Marry the house, date the rate,” real-estate agents have been known to advise prospective buyers.

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Such a quantity of prospective baby nurses made Lady Constance throw up her hands.

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The backlog of prospective projects waiting to plug into the power grid in Texas illustrates the shift.

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A DOJ spokesman said Monday the department “does not comment on current or prospective litigation including matters that may be an investigation.”

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In the past, some funds administered Rorschach tests, asking prospective recruits to assess ink blots, aiming to measure their ability to manage complexity.

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Related Words

• eventual 
• expected www.thesaurus.com
• proposed 
• soon-to-be www.thesaurus.com