outcomes

IPA/ˈaʊt.kʌm/
KK[ˈaʊtkˌʌmz]IPA/ˈaʊt.kʌm/

outcomes — noun

  • outcomessingular
  • outcomesesplural

1. An outcome is a final situation or the effect that follows from a decision, even

1.nounB2
Definition

An outcome is a final situation or the effect that follows from a decision, event, or action.

Example

Dr. Chang studied the health outcomes of people who walked thirty minutes daily.

collocation: health outcomes

The final outcome of the court case surprised everyone in the town.

Common collocations
  • positive outcome
  • negative outcome
  • expected outcome
  • desired outcome
  • learning outcomes
  • health outcomes
  • patient outcomes
  • outcome of the study
  • outcome of the trial
  • outcome of the meeting
Synonyms
  • result

    more general and common in everyday speech; 'outcome' sounds slightly more formal

  • consequence

    often implies a negative or serious result that follows logically from an action

  • effect

    focuses on the change caused by something rather than the end situation

Antonyms
  • cause

    what makes something happen, rather than what happens as a result

Grammar Patterns

the outcome of [something]

[adjective] outcome

Usage Note

Often used in formal or academic writing, especially when discussing research results, treatment effects, or program evaluations. The plural form outcomes is very common.

Common Mistakes

The consequence of the experiment was a new discovery.
The outcome of the experiment was a new discovery.
'consequence' usually suggests a negative result, while 'outcome' is neutral and can refer to any result.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Outcome, result, consequence, effect, and aftermath all refer to what happens because of an action or situation, but they differ in tone and scope. Result is the most general word — you can use it in any context, from a test score to a scientific finding. Outcome is slightly more formal and focuses on the final situation after a process, especially in planning or research (e.g., 'We are waiting for the outcome of the negotiations'). Consequence carries a stronger cause-and-effect link and often suggests something serious or negative ('the consequences of the earthquake'). Effect emphasises the change produced by a cause ('the effect of the medicine'). Aftermath specifically refers to the period or situation following a disaster or major event ('the aftermath of the storm'). In everyday conversation, result is safest; in academic or professional writing, outcome is often preferred.

result ↗consequence ↗effect ↗aftermath ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • positive outcome
  • negative outcome
  • expected outcome
  • desired outcome
  • final outcome
  • likely outcome
  • learning outcomes
  • health outcomes
  • patient outcomes

Prepositions

  • outcome of

Etymology

English

The word outcome was formed in English around the 1600s from the verb phrase come out — literally, 'that which comes out' of an event or process. It was originally used to mean 'a result or consequence that emerges from an action.'

First known use

1788

1788, in the meaning defined above