outcome
gb/ˈaʊtkˌʌm/ us/ˈaʊtkˌʌm/
B1
English
~ 2000
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
final result of something
The final thing that happens after an action or event.
Usage pattern:
the outcome of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'outcome' with 'income'; 'outcome' is a result, while 'income' is money earned.
Synonyms
result (Most common general synonym; interchangeable in most contexts.)
|
consequence (Implies a result that follows naturally, sometimes with a negative tone.)
Antonyms
cause (Refers to what makes something happen, rather than the result.)
Collocations
positive outcome
|negative outcome
|likely outcome
|final outcome
|possible outcome
Themes
daily life
|business
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The outcome of the election surprised many people.
- We are still waiting to see the outcome of the experiment.
- A good outcome depends on careful planning.
- The outcome was better than anyone expected.
Learner examples
- The outcome of the game was 2-1.
- I am happy with the outcome.
- We do not know the outcome yet.
- The outcome will be clear tomorrow.
Noun
formal
B2
entity
2
measured end result
A clear result that can be measured to see if something worked.
Usage pattern:
the [adjective] outcome of [a project/study/policy]
Common mistake:
Learners may use 'result' instead of 'outcome' in formal contexts; 'outcome' is preferred when referring to measurable objectives.
Synonyms
output (Focuses on the product or amount produced, often in business or manufacturing.)
Antonyms
input (Refers to resources or efforts put in rather than results.)
Collocations
health outcomes
|learning outcomes
|policy outcomes
Themes
business
|healthcare
|education
|health
|politics
Examples
- The study measured patient outcomes after surgery.
- Improving learning outcomes is our main goal.
- Policy outcomes will be reviewed next year.
Learner examples
- The teacher looks at learning outcomes.
- Doctors want better health outcomes.
- We check the outcome of the plan.
Grammar
Dictionary form
outcome
IPA
GB/ˈaʊtkˌʌm/
US/ˈaʊtkˌʌm/
Syllables & stress
out - come (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (out)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: outcome
- Plural: outcomes
Word family
Forms
outcomes
noun
Core family
result
noun A2
Related words
effect
noun B1
consequence
noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
cause
noun A2
Expressions
in the event of a negative outcome
1/ˈɪn ðə ɪvˈɛnt əv ə nˈɛɡɪtɪv ˈaʊtkˌʌm/
fixed phrase
formal
if the result is bad
If something ends badly or not as wanted.
Examples
- In the event of a negative outcome, we will review our strategy.
- Plans should be made for what to do in the event of a negative outcome.
outcome of interest
1/ˈaʊtkˌʌm əv ˈɪntɚˌɛst/
fixed phrase
technical
specific result being studied
The exact result that someone wants to study or check.
Examples
- The primary outcome of interest was patient recovery time.
- Researchers defined weight loss as their main outcome of interest.
determine the outcome
1/dɪtˈɚmən ðə ˈaʊtkˌʌm/
fixed phrase
Decide final result of event/process
To have a strong influence on how something ends.
Examples
- The quality of your work will determine the outcome of the project.
- Their strategy could determine the outcome of the election.
determine the outcome
2/dɪtˈɚmən ðə ˈaʊtkˌʌm/
fixed phrase
decide the final result
To make something end in a certain way.
Examples
- One goal could determine the outcome of the match.
- Your actions will determine the outcome of this project.