prospective

adjective

pro·​spec·​tive prə-ˈspek-tiv How to pronounce prospective (audio)
 also  ˈprä-ˌspek-,
prō-ˈspek-,
prä-ˈspek-
1
: relating to or effective in the future
2
a
: likely to come about : expected
the prospective benefits of this law
b
: likely to be or become
a prospective mother
prospectively adverb

Examples of prospective in a Sentence

In 2005 [Jerry] Colangelo arranged face-to-face sit-downs with every prospective national team player, to hear in their own words why they wanted to represent their country. Alexander Wolff, Sports Illustrated, 28 July 2008
All too often in the post-Vietnam past—the first Gulf War, for example—the default position of the Democratic Party has been to assume that any prospective use of U.S. military power would be immoral. Joe Klein, Time, 21 Aug. 2006
All of these arguments were prospective, all anticipated the role that public opinion would play in future constitutional disputes. Jack N. Rakove, Original Meanings … , 1996
Recent Examples on the Web California teacher residencies are also unaffordable for many prospective teachers. Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2024 However, the results of the high-density LDS survey sampling smaller catchments above and below the post-mineral volcanic cover contacts were effective in outlining prospective target areas1 in the underlying package. Sacramento Bee, 7 Mar. 2024 That applies to Dean’s savvy local TV producer partner Erin (Lex Scott Davis), as well as to Ted and his prospective merger associates. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2024 The laws for incorporating companies in America are decided at the state level, allowing a prospective business owner to shop around based on tax advantages, anonymity rules, and other considerations. William Turton, WIRED, 5 Mar. 2024 Neighbors pushed back, insisting the growth prospective businesses desire is imminent. Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2024 Unfortunately, Laura’s parents weren’t quite on board with her prospective acting career. Alex Gurley, Peoplemag, 3 Mar. 2024 After exploring a few agencies online, Taylor connected with a large Christian adoption agency that sent her profile books of prospective adoptive families. TIME, 2 Mar. 2024 Evaluate the necessary time and resources, alongside your team's existing responsibilities, in comparison to the prospective value the endeavor will bring. Alison Murdock, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prospective.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see prospect entry 1

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prospective was in 1788

Dictionary Entries Near prospective

Cite this Entry

“Prospective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prospective. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

prospective

adjective
pro·​spec·​tive prə-ˈspek-tiv How to pronounce prospective (audio)
 also  ˈprä-ˌspek-,
prō-ˈspek-,
prä-ˈspek-
1
: likely to come about
prospective benefits
2
: likely to become
a prospective buyer

Medical Definition

prospective

adjective
pro·​spec·​tive prə-ˈspek-tiv How to pronounce prospective (audio)
: relating to or being a study (as of the incidence of disease) that starts with the present condition of a population of individuals and follows them into the future compare retrospective
prospectively adverb

Legal Definition

prospective

adjective
pro·​spec·​tive prə-ˈspek-tiv, ˈprä-ˌspek- How to pronounce prospective (audio)
1
: relating to or effective in the future
a statute's prospective effect
2
: likely to come about : expected to happen
prospective inability to perform the contract
3
: likely to be or become
a prospective buyer
prospectively adverb
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