Forecast vs. Forecasted — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on January 14, 2024
'Forecast' is both a noun (prediction) and a verb (to predict), while 'forecasted' is the past tense and past participle form of the verb 'forecast.'
Difference Between Forecast and Forecasted
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
As a noun, forecast refers to a prediction or estimation about future events, commonly used in weather, finance, and planning. Forecasted as a verb form indicates that the action of making a prediction has already occurred.
When used as a verb in present tense, forecast means to make predictions, such as forecasting weather or sales. Forecasted is used to refer to predictions that were made at an earlier time.
In usage, forecast can also serve as a present participle (forecasting) to describe the ongoing process of making predictions. Forecasted is typically used in perfect tenses to denote completed action, as in "has forecasted" or "had forecasted."
Forecast as a noun often relates to reports or models presenting future predictions. Forecasted in verb form emphasizes the action of prediction by an individual or system in the past.
Both forms are essential in discussions about planning and analysis, with forecast focusing on the prediction itself and forecasted indicating the completion of this predictive process.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun (when referring to a prediction) and verb (when predicting)
Verb (past tense and past participle of 'forecast')
Usage
As a noun, it is the prediction itself; as a verb, it is the act of predicting
Used to describe predictions that were made in the past
Tense
Present or future tense when used as a verb
Past tense indicating completed action
Example in Sentence
"The forecast calls for rain tomorrow." (noun); "They forecast a rise in sales." (verb)
"They had forecasted a rise in sales last year."
Context
Often used in current or future-looking scenarios
Used in retrospective or historical analysis
Compare with Definitions
Forecast
To predict or estimate a future event or trend.
Meteorologists forecast the weather using advanced models.
Forecasted
The past tense form of 'forecast', indicating predictions made previously.
The weather department had forecasted heavy rainfall yesterday.
Forecast
In business, a projection of future performance or sales.
The company's sales forecast was optimistic for the next quarter.
Forecasted
Used to describe an action of prediction that has already been completed.
She forecasted the company's sales figures last month.
Forecast
Used in weather reporting to describe upcoming conditions.
Today's forecast suggests sunny skies throughout the day.
Forecasted
Past projections in business or planning.
The team had forecasted a significant increase in demand.
Forecast
Predict or estimate (a future event or trend)
Coal consumption in Europe is forecast to increase
Rain is forecast for Scotland
Forecasted
Historical predictions in various fields like finance or meteorology.
The forecasted budgetary needs were revised after the fiscal review.
Forecast
A calculation or estimate of future events, especially coming weather or a financial trend.
Forecasted
In analysis, referring to past estimations or predictions.
The forecasted economic trends did not align with actual outcomes.
Forecast
To estimate or predict in advance, especially to predict (weather conditions) by analysis of meteorological data.
Forecasted
To estimate or predict in advance, especially to predict (weather conditions) by analysis of meteorological data.
Forecast
To serve as an advance indication of; foreshadow
Price increases that forecast inflation.
Forecasted
To serve as an advance indication of; foreshadow
Price increases that forecast inflation.
Forecast
A prediction, as of coming events or conditions
The weather forecast stated that it would rain.
Forecasted
A prediction, as of coming events or conditions
The weather forecast stated that it would rain.
Forecast
To estimate how something will be in the future.
To forecast the weather, or a storm
To forecast a rise in prices
Forecasted
Simple past tense and past participle of forecast
Forecast
To foreshadow; to suggest something in advance.
Forecasted
That has been forecast
The forecasted storm arrived on time.
Forecast
(obsolete) To contrive or plan beforehand.
Forecast
An estimation of a future condition.
Forecast
A prediction of the weather.
What's the forecast for tomorrow?
Forecast
(betting) exacta
Forecast
To plan beforehand; to scheme; to project.
He shall forecast his devices against the strongholds.
Forecast
To foresee; to calculate beforehand, so as to provide for; as, to forecast the weather; to forecast prices.
It is wisdom to consider the end of things before we embark, and to forecast consequences.
Forecast
To contrive or plan beforehand.
If it happen as I did forecast.
Forecast
Previous contrivance or determination; predetermination.
He makes this difference to arise from the forecast and predetermination of the gods themselves.
Forecast
A calculation predicting future events; the foresight of consequences, and provision against them; prevision; premeditation; as, the weather forecast.
His calm, deliberate forecast better fitted him for the council than the camp.
Forecast
A prediction about how something (as the weather) will develop
Forecast
Predict in advance
Forecast
Judge to be probable
Forecast
Indicate by signs;
These signs bode bad news
Forecast
A prediction or estimation about future events.
The economic forecast predicts a growth in the market.
Forecast
In planning, an estimation of future needs or developments.
Urban planners forecast population growth to plan infrastructure.
Common Curiosities
Is 'forecasted' used in scientific contexts?
Yes, especially in fields like meteorology or environmental science.
How is 'forecasted' applied in economic analysis?
It's used to refer to past economic predictions when analyzing current data.
What does 'forecast' imply in business?
It refers to predicting future business trends or financial performance.
Is 'forecast' commonly used in weather reporting?
Yes, it's a standard term in weather reporting for predicting future conditions.
Can 'forecast' be used for short-term predictions?
Yes, it can be used for both short-term and long-term predictions.
How reliable are 'forecasts' in finance?
They can vary; while useful, they are based on current knowledge and can be subject to change.
Does 'forecast' always involve numerical data?
Not always; it can be qualitative or quantitative.
Is 'forecasted' used in technology fields?
Yes, especially in data analysis and predictive modeling.
How do companies use 'forecast' in strategy?
They use it to predict market trends, customer behavior, and resource needs.
Can 'forecast' refer to predicting human behavior?
Yes, in contexts like market research or psychology.
Are 'forecasted' trends always certain?
No, they are predictions and subject to uncertainties and changes.
Does 'forecast' play a role in environmental studies?
Yes, particularly in predicting climate change and its impacts.
Can 'forecasted' indicate accuracy of past predictions?
Yes, it can be used to discuss the accuracy of predictions made in the past.
How does 'forecast' help in project management?
It helps in planning and preparing for future project needs or risks.
Can 'forecasted' be used for personal planning?
Yes, such as in personal financial planning or career planning.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.