future */*/*/

I UK [ˈfjuːtʃə(r)] / US [ˈfjutʃər] noun
Word forms "future":
singular future plural futures

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 go abroad 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) [countable, usually singular] the opportunity for someone to develop or succeed

Jack went on holiday 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) [countable, 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) [countable, 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 at an agreed price to be delivered at a time in the future

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in (the) future — from the present time continuing forwards in time

In future, please ask before you borrow my clothes.

See:

foreseeable

II UK [ˈfjuːtʃə(r)] / US [ˈfjutʃər] 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 countryside for future generations.

c) used about a family relationship after you get married

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

2) linguistics relating to the future tense of a verb

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- for future reference