adj B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

forthcoming

fawth-KUH-mihng

Forthcoming (adj) means About to happen or be released soon. Example: “Details of the forthcoming election were announced today.”

adj

About to happen or be released soon.

"Details of the forthcoming election were announced today."

"Her forthcoming novel is already generating buzz."

Willing to share information openly; candid.

"He wasn't very forthcoming about what happened at the meeting."

How to use forthcoming

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither something that is coming up soon, or someone who is open and willing to share information.

Common pairings

forthcoming event not forthcoming forthcoming book

Word forms

more forthcoming comparative, forthcomings plural, most forthcoming superlative

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Details of the _____ election were announced today.

Etymology

From forth ("forward") plus coming, echoing an older phrase describing something that "comes forth" or appears.

Synonyms

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imminent approaching impending candid open communicative

Related words

public start open close coming approach closed begin

Rhymes for forthcoming

coming homing Wyoming zooming booming blooming grooming upcoming oncoming becoming incoming welcoming

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Frequently asked questions

What does “forthcoming” mean?

The word “forthcoming” means about to happen or be released soon. In plain terms, either something that is coming up soon, or someone who is open and willing to share information.

How do you pronounce “forthcoming”?

“Forthcoming” is pronounced fawth-KUH-mihng (/fɔɹθˈkʌmɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “forthcoming” in a sentence?

Here is “forthcoming” used in a sentence: “Details of the forthcoming election were announced today.”

What part of speech is “forthcoming”?

“Forthcoming” is an adjective.

Is “forthcoming” a common word?

“Forthcoming” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “forthcoming” have?

“Forthcoming” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: about to happen or be released soon.

What is the difference between forthcoming and upcoming?

Forthcoming and upcoming both describe something about to happen or be released soon, and in most contexts they are interchangeable, as in a forthcoming book or an upcoming event. Forthcoming can also carry a second meaning that upcoming lacks: being willing to share information openly, as in a forthcoming witness.

What does it mean to say someone is not forthcoming?

Saying someone is not forthcoming means they are unwilling to share information openly or candidly, often withholding details when asked directly. This usage describes a person's manner or attitude rather than an event's timing.

Is forthcoming formal or informal?

Forthcoming tends to be used in slightly more formal or written contexts, such as news reports, official statements, and business writing, compared to more casual alternatives like coming up or on the way.

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