Meaning of forecast In English

• 0 a statement of what is judged likely to happen in the future, especially in connection with a particular situation, or the expected weather conditions:

  • economic forecasts

  • The weather forecast said it was going to rain later today.

• 1 to say what you expect to happen in the future:

  • They forecast a large drop in unemployment over the next two years.

  • Snow has been forecast for tonight.

  • [ + to infinitive ] Oil prices are forecast to increase by less than two percent this year.

• 2 a statement of what is likely to happen in the future:

  • The forecast is heavy rain for tomorrow.

• 3 a statement of what is judged likely to happen in the future, based on information you have now:

  • give/make/provide a forecast on sth He refused to give a forecast on when 365 is likely to make money for shareholders.

  • cut/downgrade/reduce a forecast The CBI also cut its growth forecast for the economy next year from 2.7% to 2.4%.

  • meet a forecast The company hopes to meet its forecast of 4% growth this year.

  • a budget/deficit/profit/revenue forecast As for housing and jobs, the budget forecast predicts little improvement any time soon.

  • The Treasury's summer economic forecast warned of a rise in underlying inflation by the end of the year.

  • a bleak/gloomy forecast

• 4 to judge what is likely to happen in the future, based on information you have now:

  • forecast a drop/growth/rise in sth The company still forecasts a 2% growth in house prices next year.

  • forecast profits/revenue/sales Analysts forecast profits of €8.8m this year.

  • be forecast to be sth Operating profits are forecast to be below previous expectations at $3m.

  • forecast that The Chancellor is forecasting that inflation will remain on target at 2.5% in each of the next three years.