What does forecast mean?
Forecast is both a noun and a verb referring to the prediction of future conditions or events. As a noun, it denotes a specific statement of what is expected to happen — most familiar as the daily weather forecast, but equally central to economics, finance, logistics, and public health, where analysts issue sales forecasts, growth forecasts, and demand forecasts. As a verb, forecast means to generate such a prediction by analysing current data and trends. The word carries an authoritative, professional tone: forecasts are understood to rest on evidence and modelling rather than guesswork, which distinguishes them from prophecy or speculation. Notably, its past tense is conventionally the same as its base form — forecast, on the model of cast — although the regular forecasted also appears in casual use. Because planning in almost every field depends on anticipating the future, forecast is one of the most practical and widely encountered words in modern English.
A statement predicting future conditions or events, especially regarding weather or economic trends.
"The five-day forecast calls for sunshine and mild temperatures."
Often modified by domain: weather forecast, sales forecast, budget forecast.
To predict or estimate a future condition or outcome based on data and analysis.
"Economists forecast slower growth next year."
The preferred past tense form is forecast rather than forecasted.
Standard plural; commonly used when referring to multiple predictions from different sources or time periods.
"Analysts published several conflicting forecasts ahead of the earnings announcement."
The word forecast was popularized not by meteorologists but by a poet — Robert Southey used it in 1790, helping fix it in everyday English.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of forecast
The verb forecast derives from Old English roots combining 'fore-' (meaning before or ahead) with 'cast', reflecting the act of throwing forward one's estimate into the future. It developed in Middle English and became firmly established in Early Modern English, notably gaining currency through Robert Southey's writing around 1790 before being adopted widely by meteorology in the nineteenth century. Its cognates include other fore-prefixed compounds such as foresee, foretell, and foreshadow, all built on the same Germanic pattern of prefixing 'fore' to indicate anticipation or advance knowledge.
Related word forms
How forecast is actually used
Forecast is neutral to formal in register and appears frequently in scientific, financial, and journalistic contexts. The standard past tense is forecast, not forecasted — though forecasted is common informally, many style guides treat forecast as irregular like cast. In British English the vowel of the first syllable is typically non-rhotic.
Easily confused with forecast
Forecasts is simply the plural form of forecast and not a separate word with a distinct meaning.
A forecaster is a person who makes forecasts, while forecast refers to the prediction itself.