B2noun2K

Scenario

UK /["/səˈnɑːriəʊ/"]/US /["/səˈnæriəʊ/"]/

Definition

a description of how things might happen in the future

In simple words: A situation or event that you can imagine, often used for planning or thinking about something.

Examples

  • Let me suggest a **possible scenario**.
  • The **worst-case scenario** *(= the worst possible thing that could happen)* would be for the factory to be closed down.
  • a **nightmare scenario**
  • Similar scenarios are playing out across the country.
  • The more likely scenario is that interest rates will rise.
  • Under any of these scenarios, the company will run into debt.

Usage notes

Use 'scenario' in discussions involving plans, possibilities, or hypothetical situations. It is appropriate in both everyday conversations and professional settings, but avoid using it in very casual or informal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Remember 'scenario' as a 'scene' of events happening one after another.

Collocations

  • likely
  • plausible
  • possible
  • consider
  • imagine
  • construct
  • play out
  • unfold
  • in a/​the scenario
  • under a/​the scenario

Synonyms

  • synopsis

Antonyms

  • certainty
  • inevitable

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'scene' – 'scenario' refers to a situation, while 'scene' refers to a specific part of a story.
  • Using 'scenarios' as a singular noun – remember it can be both singular and plural.
  • Omitting context – learners often forget to provide a background when using 'scenario'.