What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
forecasting
Example
The company used forecasting techniques to predict sales for the next quarter. [forecasting: noun]
Example
The meteorologist is forecasting rain for tomorrow. [forecasting: verb]
estimation
Example
The contractor provided an estimation for the cost of the renovation. [estimation: noun]
Example
I estimated that we would need two cups of flour for the recipe. [estimated: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Estimation is more commonly used in everyday language than forecasting. Estimation is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while forecasting is more specialized and often used in specific fields such as business, finance, and weather reporting.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between forecasting and estimation?
Forecasting is generally considered more formal than estimation, as it is often used in professional settings and requires statistical analysis and expertise. Estimation, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts.