prospective
gb/pɹəspˈɛktɪv/ us/pɹəspˈɛktɪv/
B2
English
~ 6000
várható, leendő, potenciális
C1
FORMAL
1
várható
B1
Usage pattern:
prospective [change/result/benefit]
The report outlines the prospective impact of the new law on small businesses.
A jelentés felvázolja az új törvény kisvállalkozásokra gyakorolt várható hatását.
Investors are carefully analyzing the prospective risks before committing more money.
A befektetők gondosan elemzik a várható kockázatokat, mielőtt további pénzt fektetnének be.
We discussed the prospective costs of expanding the factory.
Her article examines the prospective benefits of remote work for employees.
The committee considered the prospective consequences of closing the local hospital.
Learner examples
The company is studying the prospective effects of the price change.
A vállalat vizsgálja az árváltozás várható hatásait.
We talked about the prospective problems of building a new road here.
Beszéltünk az új út itteni megépítésével kapcsolatos várható problémákról.
The government is looking at the prospective benefits of clean energy.
He wrote a paper on the prospective results of the study.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "prospective" with "perspective". "Prospective" means about the future or expected, while "perspective" means a point of view. Learners also often use "prospective" in very casual speech where "possible" or "future" would sound more natural.
Meaning
expected to happen in future
Collocations
prospective changes
|prospective benefits
|prospective outcomes
|prospective growth
|prospective legislation
|prospective developments
Synonyms
expected (More general and common; does not carry the slightly formal tone of "prospective.")
|
potential (Very common and can sound less formal; often used when something could happen but is less clearly planned.)
Antonyms
unlikely (Focuses on something not expected to happen, opposite of something likely or expected.)
Themes
time
|planning
|business
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Expected to happen in the future, but not sure yet.
Expected to occur at a future time; likely but not yet certain.
B2
FORMAL
2
leendő
B1
potenciális
B2
Usage pattern:
a prospective [role/person]
Sales staff greeted every prospective buyer as they entered the showroom.
Az értékesítők minden potenciális vevőt üdvözöltek, aki belépett a bemutatóterembe.
The university is hosting an open day for prospective students.
Az egyetem nyílt napot tart a leendő hallgatók számára.
She met with several prospective employers at the job fair.
The landlord interviewed three prospective tenants before making a decision.
The company sent brochures to prospective customers across the region.
Learner examples
The school gave a tour to prospective students.
Az iskola körbevezette a leendő diákokat.
The car dealer spoke to a prospective buyer.
Az autókereskedő beszélt egy potenciális vevővel.
I will have an interview with a prospective employer next week.
They showed the house to two prospective tenants.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes place "prospective" after the noun (e.g., *buyer prospective*). In natural English it almost always comes before the noun: "prospective buyer", not "buyer prospective". They may also overuse it in casual speech, where "possible" or "potential" is more common.
Meaning
likely future holder of a role
Collocations
prospective buyer
|prospective customer
|prospective student
|prospective employee
|prospective employer
|prospective tenant
Synonyms
potential (Very common in this use (e.g., "potential customer") and slightly less formal than "prospective.")
|
would-be (More informal and sometimes slightly humorous or critical (e.g., "would-be actor").)
Antonyms
current (Describes someone who already has the role (e.g., current customer) instead of only possibly having it in the future.)
|
former (Describes someone who had the role in the past, opposite of someone who may have it in the future.)
Themes
business
|education
|work
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Describes a person who may become something in the future, like a buyer, student, or worker.
Describing a person who is expected or likely to become something in the future, such as a customer, student, or employee.
Grammar
Dictionary form
prospective
IPA
GB/pɹəspˈɛktɪv/
US/pɹəspˈɛktɪv/
Syllables & stress
pro - spect - ive (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (spect)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: prospective
Word family
Core family
prospect
noun B1
Related words
prospector
noun
Negative and opposite forms
retrospective
adjective C1
Advanced or less common
prospectively
adverb
prospectus
noun
Expressions
prospective buyer
1/pɹəspˈɛktɪv bˈaɪɚ/
fixed phrase
person who may buy later
A person who is thinking about buying something but has not bought it yet.
Examples
- The agent spent an hour showing the house to a prospective buyer.
- We offer free trials to every prospective buyer of our software.
prospective customer
1/pɹəspˈɛktɪv kˈʌstəmɚ/
fixed phrase
person who may become customer
A person or company that may buy your products or services in the future.
Examples
- The company sends emails to prospective customers who visit its website.
- Our marketing team is researching prospective customers in new regions.
prospective employee
1/pɹəspˈɛktɪv ɪmplˈɔɪi/
fixed phrase
person who may be hired
A person who may get a job with a company in the future.
Examples
- The firm checks references for every prospective employee.
- We invite prospective employees to meet the team before they accept an offer.
prospective student
1/pɹəspˈɛktɪv stˈudənt/
fixed phrase
person who may enroll at school
Someone who is thinking about joining a school, college, or university.
Examples
- The university offers campus tours for prospective students and their families.
- Prospective students can apply online through the college website.
prospective tenant
1/pɹəspˈɛktɪv tˈɛnənt/
fixed phrase
person who may rent property
A person who may rent a house, room, or apartment in the future.
Examples
- The landlord met three prospective tenants this afternoon.
- Prospective tenants must provide references and proof of income.
prospective employer
1/pɹəspˈɛktɪv ɪmplˈɔɪɚ/
fixed phrase
possible future boss or company
A company or person that may give you a job in the future.
Examples
- He dressed smartly to impress his prospective employer.
- You should research every prospective employer before an interview.
- A prospective employer called me for an interview.
- She sent her résumé to three prospective employers.