What does "prospective" mean?

1. (potential or future) likely to be or become something in the future. 2. (looking forward in a study) describing a study that follows people over time to see what happens to them. 3. (a potential candidate) a person who might join a group, start a job, or become a student.

How do you use "prospective"?

Usually placed before the noun it describes. Commonly used in medical and sociological research contexts.

Is it correct to say "He is a perspective student."?

No — say "He is a prospective student.". Do not confuse 'prospective' (future) with 'perspective' (a point of view).

prospective

adj. · n.

US //pɹəˈspɛktɪv// UK //pɹəspˈɛktɪv// prospec·tive

1 potential or future (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

likely to be or become something in the future.

expected or likely to happen or become something; often used to describe people who are candidates for a role.

Example

The university held an open day for prospective students and their parents.

Example

The real estate agent spent the afternoon showing the property to several prospective buyers who had expressed interest earlier that week.

Usage

Usually placed before the noun it describes.
- current
- former
Pitfall

He is a perspective student.

He is a prospective student.

Do not confuse 'prospective' (future) with 'perspective' (a point of view).
2 looking forward in a study (adj.)
C1 Advanced Academic Technical Science

describing a study that follows people over time to see what happens to them.

relating to a study design that starts with a group of participants and follows them into the future to observe outcomes.

Example

The doctors started a prospective study to see how diet affects health over ten years.

Example

A prospective cohort study was initiated to monitor the long-term cardiovascular effects of the new medication across diverse demographics.

Usage

Commonly used in medical and sociological research contexts.
- longitudinal
- retrospective

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3 a potential candidate (n.)
C1 Advanced Informal

a person who might join a group, start a job, or become a student.

a person who is a potential candidate, member, or customer.

Example

The coach is meeting with a few prospectives for the basketball team today.

Example

After the presentation, the recruitment officer stayed behind to answer specific questions from the most promising prospectives.

Teacher's tip

While 'prospect' is the more common noun, 'prospective' is sometimes used as a noun in informal recruitment or admissions contexts.

Origin

From Middle French prospectif, from Late Latin prospectivus. See more at English prospect.