prospective

The word “prospective” means likely to happen or become something in the future; potential. In plain terms, likely or expected to become something — a "prospective buyer" is someone who might buy.

“Prospective” is pronounced pruh-SPEHK-tihv (/pɹəˈspɛktɪv/ in IPA).

Here is “prospective” used in a sentence: “The estate agent showed the house to several prospective buyers.”

“Prospective” is an adjective.

The word “prospective” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin prospectivus, related to prospect, meaning "looking forward.".

“Prospective” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

These are often confused but unrelated. "Prospective" is an adjective meaning likely to happen or become something in the future, as in a prospective buyer, while "perspective" is a noun meaning a point of view or the sense of depth in a picture.

"Prospective" is an adjective meaning potential or expected in the future. A "prospectus" is a noun for a printed document that describes something being offered, such as a school prospectus or a company's investment prospectus.

The two are close in meaning and often interchangeable. "Prospective" tends to stress an expected future role, as in a prospective student who is likely to enrol, while "potential" stresses possibility, as in a potential problem that may or may not arise.

Common pairings include "prospective buyer," "prospective client," "prospective student," and "prospective employer." In each case the word marks someone likely to take on that role in the future.