# forecasting

/ˈfɔɹˌkæstɪŋ/ (US) · /fˈɔːkɑːstɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/forecasting
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. predicting future trends

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

the activity of predicting what will happen in the future using data.

For teachers: the act or process of making predictions about future events, typically in a professional or scientific context.

- Accurate weather forecasting helps farmers decide when to plant their crops.
- The company's financial forecasting proved overly optimistic, leading to a significant budget shortfall by the end of the third quarter.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the field or practice.

Teaching tip: While 'forecast' is the specific prediction, 'forecasting' refers to the ongoing process or the professional field itself.

## Examples

- Accurate weather forecasting helps people plan their outdoor activities.
- The company improved its inventory management by using advanced software for demand forecasting.
- Economic forecasting remains a challenging discipline because unexpected geopolitical shifts can quickly invalidate even the most sophisticated statistical models.

---

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.