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

A recent Journal editorial on Britain’s workforce woes ought to give them pause.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

“There is a rule about candy, and the rule is this: There is no candy allowed in school! None! If anyone dares to object, they ought to come see me right now!”

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood