forecast

adj. predicted, expected, anticipated

v. predict a future event or condition, foretell

n. prediction of a future event or condition (i.e. weather)

Forecasting is the process of estimation in unknown situations.  Prediction is a similar, but more general term, and usually refers to estimation of time series, cross-sectional or longitudinal data. In more recent years, Forecasting has evolved into the practice of Demand Planning in every day business forecasting for manufacturing companies. The discipline of demand planning, also sometimes referred to as supply chain forecasting, embraces both statistical forecasting and consensus process.
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Noun
1. a prediction about how something (as the weather) will develop
(synonym) prognosis
(hypernym) prediction, foretelling, forecasting, prognostication
(hyponym) financial forecast
(derivation) bode, portend, auspicate, prognosticate, omen, presage, betoken, foreshadow, augur, foretell, prefigure, predict
Verb
1. predict in advance
(synonym) calculate
(hypernym) predict, foretell, prognosticate, call, forebode, anticipate, promise
(derivation) prognosis
2. judge to be probable
(synonym) calculate, estimate, reckon, count on, figure
(hypernym) judge
(hyponym) allow, take into account
(derivation) prognosis
3. indicate by signs; "These signs bode bad news"
(synonym) bode, portend, auspicate, prognosticate, omen, presage, betoken, foreshadow, augur, foretell, prefigure, predict
(hypernym) bespeak, betoken, indicate, point, signal
(hyponym) threaten
(derivation) prognosis

estimate future trends by examining and analyzing available information (see qualitative and quantitative methods).