Word
outlook
Phoneticsout·look, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈaʊtˌɫʊk/
UK/ˈaʊtlʊk/
Definitions
01mental attitude
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. your general way of thinking about life and the world.
n. a person's point of view or general attitude toward life.
“Despite the difficult news, she maintained a positive outlook on her career.”
“Travel often broadens a person's outlook, challenging their preconceived notions about different cultures and social structures.”
Synonyms
02future expectation
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. what is likely to happen in the future.
n. the prospect or probable future outcome of a situation.
“The economic outlook for the next year remains uncertain due to high inflation.”
“Market analysts suggested that the long-term outlook for renewable energy remains robust despite temporary supply chain disruptions.”
03physical view
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Literary
n. the view you see from a particular place, like a window or a mountain.
n. a place from which something can be viewed, or the view itself from such a vantage point.
“The hotel room had a wonderful outlook over the valley and the lake.”
“From the rocky outlook at the summit, the hikers could see the entire mountain range stretching toward the horizon.”
04appearance
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Dialect · Informal
n. the way someone or something looks.
n. the physical appearance or 'look' of a person or object.
“She spent a lot of money to improve her outlook for the party.”
“The local fashion magazines often focus on the latest outlooks seen on the streets of Central.”
Usage
Primarily used in Hong Kong English to describe fashion or personal style.
Teaching tip
This sense is highly regional; most English speakers will only use 'outlook' for attitudes or forecasts.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “outlook” in context.
Verb
01. adopt a global outlook
“Modern corporations must adopt a global outlook to remain competitive in today's interconnected market.”
verb + adj + noun
02. brighten the outlook
“The recent surge in foreign investment has helped to brighten the economic outlook for the region.”
verb + noun
03. cloud the outlook
“Geopolitical tensions continue to cloud the outlook for global trade stability.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. bleak outlook
“Economists have warned of a bleak outlook for the manufacturing sector over the next fiscal year.”
adj + noun
05. cautious outlook
“The central bank maintained a cautious outlook regarding interest rate cuts due to persistent inflation.”
adj + noun
06. positive outlook
“Maintaining a positive outlook can significantly improve your mental well-being during difficult times.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. outlook for the future
“Despite the current setbacks, her outlook for the future remains remarkably optimistic.”
noun + prep + noun
08. outlook on life
“Traveling through different continents completely changed his outlook on life and social justice.”
noun + prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“You can keep up to date with the longer-range forecast in the monthly outlook.” “In addition to his Quaker faith, literature played a huge role in Eichenberg’s artistic outlook.” “Our recent survey, called the 2026 Early-Career Skills Outlook , is based on responses from 647 employers across a broad range of industries and organizations, big and small.” “In his latest, and final, outlook issued Wednesday , he is predicting nine named storms and four hurricanes.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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