What does upcoming mean?
Upcoming describes something that is expected to happen soon or that is scheduled to take place in the near future. It is used of events, releases, deadlines, decisions, and other developments that are already planned, anticipated, or about to occur. The adjective often appears before a noun, as in “an upcoming election,” but it can also stand after a subject, as in “the results are upcoming.” Unlike a word such as “imminent,” which suggests that something is very close to happening, “upcoming” can cover a broader period and does not necessarily imply urgency. In editorial and business contexts it often conveys expectation, preparation, and forward planning rather than surprise. The word is especially common in British and American English for public events, publications, products, and schedules. It is neutral in tone and usually more suitable for organized or publicly discussed events than for casual references, where “coming” or “soon” may sound more natural.
adjectiveApproaching or expected to happen soon, especially an event, release, deadline, or development.
- Approaching or expected to happen soon, especially an event, release, deadline, or development.
"The festival's upcoming headliners have already drawn large crowds."
"The company has postponed its upcoming product launch."
"Supporters are already gathering for the upcoming election."
The next big event is “upcoming” long before it becomes “imminent.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does upcoming come from?
Upcoming is an English compound formed from up and coming, literally “coming up” or “approaching.” Coming continues Old English cuman and ultimately derives from Proto-Germanic, while up also comes from Old English. Words such as become, becoming, and welcome preserve the same Germanic root represented by coming.
How upcoming is actually used
Most common in British and American English in news, business, entertainment, and public-event contexts. It is normally used before a noun or predicatively and is more conventional than “soon” in announcements and schedules.
Easily confused with upcoming
Upcoming can cover anything expected in the near future, whereas imminent specifically suggests that something is about to happen.