Word
Definitions
01a possible situation
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Academic
n. a description of how things might happen in the future or a possible situation you imagine.
n. a hypothetical or projected sequence of events, often used to evaluate potential outcomes or risks.
日本語:シナリオ※
“In the worst-case scenario, the flight will be cancelled and we will have to stay in a hotel.”
“Economists are currently modelling a scenario where global trade remains stagnant for the next decade, forcing nations to rely more heavily on domestic production.”
Usage
Often used with 'worst-case' or 'best-case' to describe extreme possibilities.
Synonyms
02a plot outline
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Theater Formal
n. a summary or outline of the story in a play, film, or book.
n. an outline or summary of the plot of a dramatic or literary work, providing the framework for the narrative.
日本語:筋書き※
“The director asked for a detailed scenario of the first act before they started filming.”
“The playwright submitted a ten-page scenario that meticulously detailed the character arcs and major plot points of the upcoming production.”
Teaching tip
While this sense is the origin of the word, modern speakers usually use 'script' or 'synopsis' instead.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “scenario” in context.
Adjective
01. hypothetical scenario
“In a hypothetical scenario where the internet fails, how would businesses survive?”
adj + noun
02. possible scenario
“We need to prepare for every possible scenario before the product launch.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“In a worst-case scenario, category one Lala could dump up to 25in (63cm) of rain on Big Island.” “Decisions are made across more than 300 fictional political scenarios, handwritten by Brewis.” “In a first-round scenario, Lula leads more comfortably with 38 percent, followed by Bolsonaro at 31 percent.” Etymology
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *(s)ḱeh₃-der. Ancient Greek σκηνή (skēnḗ)bor. Latin scēnabor. Italian scena Proto-Indo-European *-yósder. Proto-Italic *-āsios Latin -ārius Latin -āriumbor. Italian -ario Italian scenariobor. English scenario Borrowed from Italian scenario, from scena + -ario.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/scenario
‘외래어’ data: 한국어기초사전 (국립국어원), CC BY-SA 2.0 KR
※ 機械で選んだ訳語です。ネイティブスピーカーによる確認はまだです。
「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0