unknown outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unknown outcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where the result or consequence of an action or event is uncertain or not yet determined. Example: "The experiment was conducted with an unknown outcome, leaving the researchers eager to see the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

You've said before that sport has become the most exciting form of TV because it has an unknown outcome.

The Guardian - Books

McCain said he had "excellent relations" with Latino voters in his state but acknowledged the unknown outcome of Latinos who could register to vote against Trump.

The Guardian

Now a genuine contest with an unknown outcome is being fought at rallies, on billboards and leaflets from Aswan to Zagazig.

The Guardian

"But the people did not elect Theresa May, and neither did they vote for the as-yet unknown outcome of David Davis's negotiations.

The Guardian

Yet without a switch now to full independence with a new currency, Salmond faces the prospect of going into the election offering the electorate a messy negotiation with an unknown outcome.

The Guardian - Business

Yet, as I often mention in this column, making short-term investment decisions based on the unknown outcome of a certain event can prove costly.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

This uncertainty makes it harder to schedule generators efficiently because the economics depend on unknown outcomes.

Electric Power Systems Research

No one knew what exactly would occur, which is part of what enticed Cage, who had a lust for unknown outcomes.

The New Yorker

The prospect of multiple delegate votes with unknown outcomes and unforeseeable consequences is something Mr. Trump's campaign and Mr. Priebus are intent on preventing.

The New York Times

This philosophy implies leading towards unknown outcomes as outcomes that create the greatest value and impact are not obvious in advance – if they are, it's not innovation.

Stanford University

Second, while the Diversity Prediction Theorem is great, it does not guarantee in and of itself that unknown outcomes at a future date, better decisions will be made.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing scenarios with uncertain results, use "unknown outcome" to acknowledge the unpredictability and set expectations accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "unknown outcome" when you actually mean a negative or undesirable result. "Unknown outcome" simply means the result is not yet determined or predictable, regardless of whether it will be positive or negative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unknown outcome" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "unknown" modifies the noun "outcome". It is used to describe a situation, experiment, or process where the final result is uncertain or not yet determined. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unknown outcome" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe situations where the result is uncertain or yet to be determined. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across various fields, including science, news, and business. While the phrase is most frequently found in scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal tone, suitable for a wide range of writing. When using this phrase, remember that it simply indicates a lack of predictability, rather than a necessarily negative result. Similar alternatives include "uncertain result" or "unpredictable consequence", providing options for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncertain result

Replaces "outcome" with "result", emphasizing the uncertainty of the end point.

unpredictable consequence

Focuses on the inability to foresee the effects of something.

undetermined result

Highlights that the final determination or measurement has not yet been established.

unforeseen conclusion

Emphasizes that the end result was not anticipated or expected.

uncertain consequence

Uses "consequence" to refer to the effects, maintaining a sense of unpredictability.

unclear result

Focuses on the lack of clarity or understanding about the result.

unanticipated effect

Highlights that the impact was not foreseen.

hazy consequence

Emphasizes the obscurity or vagueness of the effect or result.

unpredictable result

Stresses the inability to know what the result might be beforehand.

speculative conclusion

Indicates that the conclusion is based on conjecture rather than certainty.

FAQs

How can I use "unknown outcome" in a sentence?

You can use "unknown outcome" to describe situations where the result is uncertain. For example, "The experiment was conducted with an "unknown outcome", leaving the scientists eager to analyze the data."

What phrases are similar to "unknown outcome"?

Alternatives include "uncertain result", "unpredictable consequence", or "undetermined result", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "unknown outcome" or "unforeseen outcome"?

"Unknown outcome" implies that the result is simply not yet known, whereas "unforeseen outcome" suggests the result was not anticipated or predicted. The best choice depends on whether the emphasis is on lack of knowledge or lack of foresight.

What's the difference between "unknown outcome" and "potential outcome"?

"Unknown outcome" indicates a result that is not yet determined, whereas "potential outcome" suggests one of several possible results that could occur. "Potential outcome" implies a range of possibilities, while "unknown outcome" focuses on the current lack of certainty.