outcome
OWT-kuhm
Outcome (noun) means the result or effect of an action, event, or process. Example: “The outcome of the negotiation surprised both sides.”
noun
1
The result or effect of an action, event, or process.
"The outcome of the negotiation surprised both sides."
"Doctors were pleased with the outcome of the surgery."
"We will not know the outcome of the match until the final whistle."
"A quality automobile is the outcome of the work of skilled engineers and thousands of workers."
How to use outcome
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhat ends up happening as a result of something — the final result.
Common pairings
positive outcome
the outcome of
desired outcome
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Word forms
- Plural
- outcomes
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The _____ of the negotiation surprised both sides.
Etymology
Formed from "out" and "come," describing what comes out of a situation.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for outcome
See all rhymes for outcome →Frequently asked questions
What does “outcome” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “outcome”?
“Outcome” is pronounced OWT-kuhm (/ˈaʊtkʌm/ in IPA).
How do you use “outcome” in a sentence?
Here is “outcome” used in a sentence: “The outcome of the negotiation surprised both sides.”
What part of speech is “outcome”?
“Outcome” is a noun.
Is “outcome” a common word?
“Outcome” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "outcome" and "result"?
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.
What is the difference between "outcome" and "output"?
"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.
What prepositions are commonly used with "outcome"?
"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.
Is "outcome" a formal or informal word?
"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.
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