The meaning of PROSPECTIVE is relating to or effective in the future. How to use prospective in a sentence.

PROSPECTIVE definition: of or in the future. See examples of prospective used in a sentence.

PROSPECTIVE meaning: 1. people who are expected to buy something, employ someone, become parents, etc.: 2. people who…. Learn more.

Definition of prospective adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

prospective (prəˈspɛktɪv) adj 1. looking towards the future 2. (prenominal) anticipated or likely

Jan 2, 2026 · Adjective prospective (not comparable) Likely or expected to happen or become. Prospective students are those who have already applied to the university, but have yet to be …

There are 17 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word prospective, nine of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Prospective generally refers to the possibility or likelihood of something to happen in the future. It can also signify something that is expected or anticipated to become, such as a prospective buyer, …

Prospective indicates that something is expected or likely to happen. If you’re contemplating your future, you might speak of your prospective career, your prospective spouse, or a prospective million-dollar …

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025 pro•spec•tive (prə spek′ tiv), adj. of or in the future: prospective earnings. potential, likely, or expected: a prospective …