future

fu|ture1 [ `fjutʃər ] noun ***

1. ) the future the time that follows the present time:

It's important to plan for the future.

These young people are the leaders of the future.

in the future: Check if the computer can be upgraded in the future.

in the near/not-too-distant/immediate future (=soon): I have no plans to travel in the near future.

what the future holds/will bring (=what will happen): She has no idea what the future might hold for her.

look to the future (=plan what you will do in the future): He can now look to the future with confidence again.

a ) the future events that have not yet taken place:

The future will depend on our willingness to conserve energy now.

b ) count usually singular the opportunity for someone to develop or succeed:

Jack went on vacation to think about his future.

uncertain/painful/bleak etc. future: The people of Grozny face an uncertain future.

a bright future: Joe has a bright future in athletics.

have a future (=be successful): You won't have much of a future unless you start working harder.

c ) count usually singular the chance that something will continue to exist or be successful:

We need to safeguard our planet's future.

We see no future in continuing the negotiations.

future of: The future of the business is in doubt.

d ) count usually singular someone or something that will make something continue or succeed:

Children are this country's future.

2. ) the future LINGUISTICS the FUTURE TENSE of a verb

3. ) futures plural BUSINESS contracts to buy or sell SHARES, goods, or CURRENCY (=money of a country) at an agreed price to be delivered at a time in the future

in (the) future

from the present time continuing forward in time:

In future, ask before you borrow my clothes.

=> FORESEEABLE

future

fu|ture 2 [ `fjutʃər ] adjective only before noun ***

1. ) expected to exist or happen during the time following the present time:

an agreement to repay the money at some future date

a ) used about situations or events in the future:

the future growth of the company

b ) used about someone's existence or development in the future:

Cassidy looks like a future champion.

We need to protect the rain forest for future generations.

c ) used about a family relationship after you get married:

I'd like you to meet my future wife, Alice.

2. ) relating to the FUTURE TENSE of a verb

for future reference

1. ) so that you can find some information in the future:

Keep this document with your insurance policy for future reference.

2. ) used for telling someone something that you feel they should know, often when you are slightly annoyed with them:

For future reference, I expect all employees to be punctual.