outcome

The word “outcome” means the result or effect of an action, event, or process. In plain terms, what ends up happening as a result of something — the final result.

“Outcome” is pronounced OWT-kuhm (/ˈaʊtkʌm/ in IPA).

Here is “outcome” used in a sentence: “The outcome of the negotiation surprised both sides.”

“Outcome” is a noun.

“Outcome” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

Both refer to what follows from an action or process and are often interchangeable. "Result" tends to be more immediate and measurable, such as a test result or a match result, while "outcome" often suggests the broader final effect after everything unfolds. You might get several results along the way but one overall outcome.

"Outcome" is the result or effect of an action, event, or process, focusing on consequences. "Output" refers to the amount of something produced, such as a factory's output or a writer's output. Output is about quantity produced, whereas outcome is about the effect achieved.

"Outcome" is typically followed by "of," as in "the outcome of the election," and paired with adjectives like "positive," "successful," or "likely." You can also speak of the outcome "for" someone affected, as in "a good outcome for patients." The phrase "outcome of" links the result to its cause.

"Outcome" is neutral and works in both formal and everyday contexts, though it is especially common in academic, medical, legal, and business writing. In casual conversation, people often say "result" or "how it turned out" instead. It carries no informal or slang connotation.