Forecast vs. Forecasted
Both “forecast” and “forecasted” are documented as past-tense and past-participle forms of the verb “forecast.” Neither form should be treated as universally incorrect.
Both “forecast” and “forecasted” are standard past forms; use the form that matches your style and sentence.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| past tense or past participle using unchanged form | forecast | This is a standard past form. |
| past tense or past participle using -ed form | forecasted | This is also a standard past form. |
| house style prefers one variant | follow the chosen form consistently | Do not label the other documented form universally incorrect. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Does your house style or surrounding copy already establish one of the standard past forms?
If yes: Use that form consistently.
If no: Either “forecast” or “forecasted” can be standard; choose the form that fits the style and sentence.
Caveat: Both past forms are documented; this page does not create a false correctness distinction between them.
Examples
Analysts forecast slower growth last quarter.
“Forecast” can serve as the past tense.
Analysts forecasted slower growth last quarter.
“Forecasted” is also a standard past form.
The team had forecast higher demand.
The unchanged form can also function as a past participle.
Further guidance
Core difference
Cambridge records both “forecast” and “forecasted” as past-tense and past-participle forms of the verb “forecast.”
Usage Boundary
Do not label “forecasted” incorrect simply because “forecast” is also used as the past form. Follow established usage and house style consistently.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Forecast — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Dictionary evidence that both “forecast” and “forecasted” are documented past-tense and participle forms of forecast.