# outlook

/ˈaʊtˌɫʊk/ (US) · /ˈaʊtlʊk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/outlook
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. mental attitude

noun · CEFR B2

your general way of thinking about life and the world.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. future expectation

noun · CEFR B2

what is likely to happen in the future.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. physical view

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

the view you see from a particular place, like a window or a mountain.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. appearance

noun · CEFR C2 · Dialect · Informal

the way someone or something looks.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- She has a very positive outlook on her new job.
- Despite the recent dip in sales, the economic outlook for the next quarter remains optimistic according to most analysts.
- His cynical outlook on international relations often put him at odds with his more idealistic colleagues during the policy debates.

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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.