English Reference
noun · verb

forecast

n. · v.
US /ˈfɔɹˌkæst/ UK /fˈɔːkɑːst/ fore·cast UK spelling forecasts

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.a description of what is likely to happen in the future based on information we have now.

    n.a calculation or estimation of future events, especially regarding weather or financial trends.

    Simple

    The weather forecast says it will be sunny all weekend.

    In context

    The economic forecast suggests that inflation will remain steady for the next quarter, providing some relief to small business owners.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to say what you think will happen in the future.

    v.to predict or estimate a future event or trend. Transitive — usually takes a noun phrase object representing the predicted outcome.

    Simple

    Experts forecast that the population will grow by ten percent.

    In context

    Meteorologists forecast a severe winter, prompting local authorities to stockpile salt and grit for the mountain passes.

    predictforetellproject
  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Literary

    v.to show or suggest that something will happen before it actually does.

    v.to serve as an advance indication or omen of a future event.

    Simple

    The dark clouds forecast a coming storm in the story.

    In context

    The sudden drop in stock prices forecast the deeper financial crisis that would eventually grip the entire continent.

    foreshadowaugurpresage

Winds of up to 62 mph are forecast for Friday.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

You can stay up to date with the latest forecast for your area on the BBC Weather website and app .

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

From Middle English forecasten, forcasten, equivalent to fore- + cast. The noun is from Middle English forecast, forcast.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English forecast
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated