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Meaning & use

future

noun, adjective·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈfjuː.tʃər/
US/ˈfjuː.tʃɚ/

Meanings

  1. nounsingular

    The time that comes after the present, or events that have not happened yet.

    Grammar: Usually singular and often with the: the future; use a future for possible imagined futures.

    Patterns

    • in the future
    • the future of something
    • plan for the future
    • shape the future

    No one can predict the future.

    We need to invest in the future of the city.

    In the future, please call before you visit.

  2. nounsingular

    The likely success, development, or prospects of a person, thing, or organization.

    Grammar: Often singular with a possessive: her future looks bright; common with look/seem.

    Patterns

    • a bright future
    • a uncertain future
    • have a future in something
    • the future of someone

    The team has a bright future.

    Cheap imports threatened the future of the factory.

    She has a future in public health.

  3. adjectivebefore a noun

    Existing or expected at a later time; relating to what will come.

    Grammar: Comes before a noun: future generations; do not use it after a verb in this sense.

    Patterns

    • future generations
    • future plans
    • future husband
    • future developments

    Future generations will judge our choices.

    Save now for future needs.

    Her future employer called with an offer.

Common combinations

in the near future
We expect an answer in the near future.
future generations
Clean air is a debt owed to future generations.
bright future
The apprentices have a bright future.
shape the future
Teachers help shape the future every day.

Synonyms and how they differ

prospects
Plural noun for likely chances of success; future is broader and can mean time itself.
outlook
Emphasizes predicted conditions, often for work, weather, or the economy.
tomorrow
Informal or figurative for the near future, not the abstract time after now.

Opposites

pastpresent

Word family

futuristic adjective
Seeming to belong to the future or using very advanced design.
futurist noun
A person who studies or predicts likely future developments.

Commonly confused: future or feature? future or past?

future vs feature

Feature is often misspelled by transposition; future concerns time, feature means a characteristic or part.

future vs past

Past is the opposite time period, not a spelling variant.

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