The meaning of PROSPECTIVE is relating to or effective in the future. How to use prospective in a sentence.

Definition of prospective adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

PROSPECTIVE definition: 1. people who are expected to buy something, employ someone, become parents, etc.: 2. people who…. Learn more.

PROSPECTIVE definition: of or in the future. See examples of prospective used in a sentence.

You use prospective to describe someone who wants to be the thing mentioned or who is likely to be the thing mentioned. The story should act as a warning to other prospective buyers. When …

prospective (prəˈspɛktɪv) adj 1. looking towards the future 2. (prenominal) anticipated or likely

Prospective indicates that something is expected or likely to happen. If you’re contemplating your future, you might speak of your prospective career, your prospective spouse, or a prospective …

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025 pro•spec•tive (prə spek′ tiv), adj. of or in the future: prospective earnings. potential, likely, or expected: a …

Dec 11, 2025 · Likely or expected to happen or become. Prospective students are those who have already applied to the university, but have yet to be admitted. A short distance above I …

There are 17 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word prospective, nine of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.