# forecast

/ˈfɔɹˌkæst/ (US) · /fˈɔːkɑːst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/forecast
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a prediction

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: a calculation or estimation of future events, especially regarding weather or financial trends.

- The weather forecast says it will be sunny all weekend.
- The economic forecast suggests that inflation will remain steady for the next quarter, providing some relief to small business owners.

### 2. to predict

verb · CEFR B2

to say what you think will happen in the future.

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

- Experts forecast that the population will grow by ten percent.
- Meteorologists forecast a severe winter, prompting local authorities to stockpile salt and grit for the mountain passes.

### 3. to foreshadow

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary

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

For teachers: to serve as an advance indication or omen of a future event.

- The dark clouds forecast a coming storm in the story.
- The sudden drop in stock prices forecast the deeper financial crisis that would eventually grip the entire continent.

## Examples

- The weather forecast says it will rain tomorrow.
- The company updated its sales forecast after the new product became a surprise hit during the holiday season.
- Meteorologists have improved the accuracy of the five-day forecast significantly, yet long-range seasonal predictions remain subject to the inherent unpredictability of global atmospheric currents.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.