ought

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Similarly, a newly issued report by the Government Accountability Office External link ought to quell concerns about the quality of employment data produced by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which assembles the monthly jobs report.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

They know what it is and what it ought to look like.

From Slate • Jun. 4, 2026

If your retirement fund is not where it ought to be, then you don’t give money to family members as a gesture.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

"At the very least," argued Mr Price, the official "ought to have known that it was incorrect".

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

“It ought not to be difficult for a weird woman of her skill,” she said to Mrs. Penworthy as they walked.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood