Forthcoming vs. Upcoming: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sara Rehman || Published on November 21, 2023
Forthcoming refers to something that is about to happen or ready to be provided, while upcoming specifically denotes something that is scheduled to occur soon.

Key Differences
Forthcoming implies readiness or willingness to provide something or to be cooperative, as well as indicating that an event or occurrence is about to happen. Upcoming, however, strictly refers to events or occurrences that are scheduled to happen in the near future.

Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
Forthcoming can describe a person's attitude, such as being open and communicative, in addition to its temporal meaning. In contrast, upcoming is used exclusively in a temporal context, with no connotations regarding attitude or behavior.

Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
The term forthcoming is often used in situations where information, details, or results are expected to be revealed or made available. While, upcoming is typically used in reference to events, meetings, or releases that are planned and scheduled.

Huma Saeed
Nov 21, 2023
In literary or formal contexts, forthcoming might be used to describe the publication of books, reports, or articles that are about to be made available. Whereas, upcoming is more commonly found in casual or informal contexts, particularly in reference to events or activities.

Harlon Moss
Nov 21, 2023
Forthcoming can imply a sense of preparation or completion, suggesting that something is on the verge of being presented. Upcoming simply indicates that something will take place soon, without any implication of readiness or completion.

Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Ready to happen or be provided; willing to communicate.
Scheduled to occur in the near future.

Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
Usage Context
Both temporal and attitudinal contexts.
Exclusively temporal contexts.

Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
Common Associations
Information, results, cooperation.
Events, meetings, planned activities.

Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
Formality Level
Often found in formal or literary contexts.
More common in casual or informal contexts.

Aimie Carlson
Nov 21, 2023
Implication
Suggests preparation or readiness.
Indicates future occurrence without readiness implication.

Janet White
Nov 21, 2023
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Forthcoming and Upcoming Definitions
Forthcoming
About to happen or appear.
The forthcoming election is stirring much debate.

Sara Rehman
Nov 17, 2023
Upcoming
Happening or appearing soon.
The upcoming conference is scheduled for June.

Janet White
Nov 17, 2023
Forthcoming
Willing to divulge information.
She was forthcoming about her company's challenges.

Sara Rehman
Nov 17, 2023
Upcoming
Scheduled or planned to occur in the near future.
We are preparing for the upcoming holiday season.

Janet White
Nov 17, 2023
Forthcoming
Imminent in time; upcoming.
The forthcoming book launch is eagerly anticipated.

Janet White
Nov 17, 2023
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Upcoming
Imminent or approaching.
The upcoming deadline is causing a lot of stress.

Huma Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Forthcoming
Showing a willingness to cooperate.
His forthcoming attitude facilitated the negotiation.

Sara Rehman
Nov 17, 2023
Upcoming
About to take place.
The community is excited about the upcoming parade.

Janet White
Nov 17, 2023
Forthcoming
Ready or available when required or expected.
The report is forthcoming next week.

Aimie Carlson
Nov 17, 2023
Forthcoming
About to appear or take place; approaching
The forthcoming elections.

Sara Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Forthcoming
Available when required or as promised
Federal funds were not forthcoming.

Sara Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Upcoming
Happening or appearing in the relatively near future.
We are ready for whatever is upcoming.
The Federal budget lays out government spending for the upcoming budget year.

Sara Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Upcoming
Of the relatively near future;
The approaching election
This coming Thursday
The forthcoming holidays
The upcoming spring fashions

Sara Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
FAQs
Is upcoming used for information release?
Typically, upcoming is used for events rather than information release.

Janet White
Nov 21, 2023
Can forthcoming be used for events?
Yes, forthcoming can refer to events that are about to occur.

Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
What does upcoming mean?
Upcoming refers to something that is scheduled to happen in the near future.

Huma Saeed
Nov 21, 2023
Does forthcoming imply readiness?
Yes, it often implies readiness or preparation.

Harlon Moss
Nov 21, 2023
Do upcoming events have to be scheduled?
Generally, upcoming events are those that are planned or scheduled.

Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
Can forthcoming mean cooperative?
Yes, it can also mean showing a willingness to cooperate or be helpful.

Janet White
Nov 21, 2023
What is an example of forthcoming in a sentence?
"The CEO was forthcoming with the details about the merger."

Janet White
Nov 21, 2023
What does forthcoming mean?
Forthcoming means something is about to happen or be provided, or indicating willingness to cooperate.

Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
What is an example of upcoming in a sentence?
"The upcoming holiday will affect store hours."

Harlon Moss
Nov 21, 2023
Can upcoming refer to a person’s attitude?
No, upcoming is not used to describe attitudes.

Harlon Moss
Nov 21, 2023
Does forthcoming have a time frame?
Forthcoming suggests a near-term timeframe but is not specific.

Aimie Carlson
Nov 21, 2023
Is upcoming suitable for formal documents?
Upcoming is acceptable in formal documents but is more casual in tone.

Aimie Carlson
Nov 21, 2023
Is upcoming only for positive events?
No, upcoming can refer to any event, positive or negative.

Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
Is forthcoming formal or informal?
Forthcoming can be used in both formal and informal contexts but is more common in formal ones.

Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
Are there different types of forthcoming?
Forthcoming can refer to both events and attitudes, each with different implications.

Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
Can both terms be used interchangeably?
In some contexts they can be, but they have different nuances.

Janet White
Nov 21, 2023
Can forthcoming be used for unexpected events?
Forthcoming is less commonly used for unexpected events.

Sara Rehman
Nov 21, 2023
How specific is the timing with upcoming?
Upcoming usually implies a more immediate or clearly defined future time.

Harlon Moss
Nov 21, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sara RehmanSara Rehman is a seasoned writer and editor with extensive experience at Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Information Technology, she combines her academic prowess with her passion for writing to deliver insightful and well-researched content.

Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
