Meaning & use
prospects
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“prospects” is a form of “prospect”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounusually plural
The chances of future success, especially in a job, career or business.
Grammar: Usually plural with this sense: career prospects are good.
Patterns
- prospects for something
- someone's prospects of something
Graduates in nursing have excellent job prospects.
The company's prospects look weak this year.
She moved abroad to improve her career prospects.
nounplural
Possible future events, or the likelihood that they will happen.
Grammar: Often followed by of: prospects of peace.
Patterns
- prospects of something
- prospects for something
The prospects of a deal seem slim.
Rain made the prospects for the picnic poor.
Economists studied the prospects for growth.
nounpluralbusiness
People who might buy something or become customers.
Grammar: Sales language: contact prospects by phone.
Patterns
- contact prospects
The sales team called fifty new prospects.
She turned prospects into loyal clients.
Qualified prospects receive a free sample.
Common combinations
- job prospects
- Job prospects in the area are poor.
- career prospects
- Good career prospects attracted him to the firm.
- bright prospects
- The young player has bright prospects.
- improve your prospects
- A degree can improve your prospects.
- future prospects
- We are worried about our future prospects.
Synonyms and how they differ
- chances
- Chances is more general and informal, and can refer to luck in any situation.
- outlook
- Outlook describes the expected overall situation, while prospects often stresses individual opportunities.
- opportunities
- Opportunities are actual openings you can take, whereas prospects are what the future may hold.
- leads
- Leads is sales jargon for possible customers, a close match for the third sense.
Opposites
Word family
- prospect noun
- singular form, a chance or possibility
- prospective adjective
- likely to become something
- prospector noun
- one who searches for minerals
- prospectus noun
- a booklet describing a school or company
Commonly confused: prospects or prospectus?
prospects vs prospectus
A prospectus is a booklet advertising a college or investment. Prospects are future chances.
Practice
With few factories left, the town's job ___ are poor.
Choose one answer.
Job prospects means chances of finding work. A prospector is a person, so it does not fit here.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “prospects”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.