wish list
B1Informal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A list of desired items or outcomes, often personal and aspirational.
A catalog of wanted products, features, or life goals; a prioritized collection of desired objects or achievements. In computing, a list of desired functionalities for software.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Originally a compound noun from the concept of listing one's wishes. It implies a degree of prioritization or desirability, not just random wants. The connotation is often positive and hopeful.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English often hyphenates ('wish-list'), while American English overwhelmingly uses the solid or open form ('wishlist' or 'wish list'). Usage is identical.
Connotations
Slightly more common in American consumer contexts, but fully established in both varieties.
Frequency
High frequency in both varieties, especially in retail, tech, and personal development contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] has/creates a wish list for [occasion/recipient].[Subject] added [item] to [possessive] wish list.[Item] is on [possessive] wish list.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's on my wish list.”
- “Wish list item”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A list of requested features from clients or users for a product (e.g., 'The developer reviewed the customer wish list for the next update').
Academic
Used metaphorically for research goals or desired outcomes (e.g., 'A universal vaccine remains on the global health wish list').
Everyday
Primarily for gifts and personal desires (e.g., 'I sent my birthday wish list to my family').
Technical
In software development, a backlog of desired but not yet scheduled features or enhancements.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I need to wish-list a new kettle before the sales.
- She wish-listed several books on the website.
American English
- He wishlisted the new game console.
- Make sure to wishlist that item so you don't forget it.
adjective
British English
- The wish-list feature on the site is very handy.
- She gave me her wish-list items.
American English
- Check my wishlist page for gift ideas.
- It's a wishlist item for many gamers.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My birthday is soon. Here is my wish list.
- The children wrote their wish lists for Father Christmas.
- I've created an online wish list for the things I need for my new flat.
- What's at the top of your travel wish list?
- The software update addressed several key items from the user community's wish list.
- Despite a lengthy client wish list, the project had to focus on core functionalities first.
- The council's environmental wish list, including carbon neutrality by 2035, was deemed ambitious by critics.
- Her philanthropic wish list evolved from material desires to endowments for charitable foundations.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Just like a SHOPPING LIST tells you what to BUY, a WISH LIST tells you what you WANT to buy (or receive).
Conceptual Metaphor
DESIRE IS AN INVENTORY/COLLECTION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation as 'список желаний' when referring to a specific gift registry; 'вишлист' is a common borrowed term in modern Russian.
- Do not confuse with 'мечта' (dream), which is more abstract. A wish list is tangible and itemized.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect spelling: 'wishlist' (common in digital writing) vs. 'wish list' (more standard in formal writing).
- Using 'bucket list' interchangeably (bucket list is for life experiences, wish list is often for material goods or immediate wants).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'wish list' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'wish list' (open form) and 'wishlist' (solid form) are common, especially in digital contexts. The hyphenated 'wish-list' is less common but also seen. Dictionaries often list the open form as primary.
A 'wish list' typically contains material objects or short-to-medium term desires (gifts, products, features). A 'bucket list' is specifically for experiences or achievements one wants to accomplish before dying.
Yes, especially in informal and online contexts (e.g., 'Wishlist this product'). It's a recent conversion from the noun but is widely understood.
They are similar. A 'registry' (like a wedding or baby registry) is a type of formal, often store-specific wish list where items can be reserved for purchase. 'Wish list' is a more general term.