# prospectus

/pɹəˈspɛktəs/ (US) · /pɹəspˈɛktəs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/prospectus
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a printed document that gives details about a school, university, or business. It helps people decide if they want to join or invest in it.

For teachers: a formal document describing the features of a school, business, or financial investment to prospective participants or buyers. Often used in academic and corporate contexts to outline goals and terms.

## Examples

- I read the university prospectus before applying.
- The company issued a detailed prospectus to attract potential investors before its initial public offering.
- While the college prospectus highlights the modern laboratory facilities, many students find that the actual curriculum is more focused on theoretical research than practical application.

## Usage notes

- The plural form is usually 'prospectuses'; the Latin-style 'prospecti' is generally considered incorrect.

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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.