out ‧ come W3 AC /ˈaʊtkʌm/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
the final result of a meeting, discussion, war etc – used especially when no one knows what it will be until it actually happens SYN result
outcome of
It was impossible to predict the outcome of the election.
People who had heard the evidence at the trial were surprised at the outcome.
REGISTER
Outcome is slightly formal and is used mostly in writing. In everyday English, people are more likely to talk about what happened :
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It was impossible to predict what would happen in the election.
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COLLOCATIONS
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + outcome
▪ the final/ultimate outcome
The final outcome of the investigation is still to be announced.
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The ultimate outcome of this controversy remains in doubt.
▪ a likely outcome
What is the likely outcome of the election?
▪ a possible outcome
When you throw a die, there are six possible outcomes.
▪ a successful outcome
Hopes for a successful outcome to the war were fading.
▪ a positive outcome (=a good result)
Everyone is hoping for a positive outcome to the talks.
▪ a happy outcome (=a good result, especially one that makes everyone happy)
Adopting a child does not automatically result in a happy outcome.
▪ a satisfactory outcome
Our main aim is to achieve a satisfactory outcome for both parties.
▪ the desired outcome
The desired outcome of most services is a satisfied customer.
▪ a favourable/unfavourable outcome
Considerable progress has been made towards a favourable outcome.
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Discontinuing treatment too early may result in an unfavourable outcome.
▪ a learning outcome (=what someone is supposed to learn from something)
It is important to set teaching objectives and learning outcomes.
▪ a policy outcome (=what happens when a particular policy is used)
A number of factors affect policy outcomes.
▪ a treatment outcome (=what happens whan a particular medical treatment is used)
Funding is provided to collect and analyze data on treatment outcomes.
▪ a health outcome (=how healthy someone is after using a particular treatment, system etc)
the assessment of health outcomes
■ verbs
▪ have an outcome
The meeting had a very satisfactory outcome.
▪ affect/influence the outcome
Did coverage in the media affect the outcome of the trial?
▪ decide/determine the outcome (=be the thing that causes the final result)
This move untimately decided the outcome of the conflict.
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At the leadership elections today, it is their votes that will determine the outcome.
▪ predict the outcome (=say what the final result will be)
It is too early to predict the final outcome of the survey.
▪ await the outcome (=wait for the final result)
Medical science must await the outcome of proper international debate.
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THESAURUS
▪ result something that happens because of something else:
The fire at the house was the result of a dropped cigarette.
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Many people find that herbal remedies produce a good result.
▪ consequence something important that happens as the result of a decision or action:
Global warming will have serious consequences for the environment.
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Rising prices are the inevitable consequence of the grain shortage.
▪ repercussions the bad effects that happen later as a result of an event, often a long time afterwards:
The economic crisis in the US is likely to have serious repercussions for the rest of the world.
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The scandal could have major repercussions for his career.
▪ outcome the final result of a meeting, election, war etc:
The final outcome of the election remained in doubt for several days.
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So, what is the likely outcome for Spain?
▪ the upshot the final result of a situation, especially when this was unexpected:
The upshot of all this was that the trial had to be delayed.
▪ the fruits of something literary the things that have been achieved as a result of someone’s efforts – used especially in the following phrases:
He did not live to see the fruits of his labours.
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They can now enjoy the fruits of their success.