to express the view that something is the right thing to do, because its morally correct, polite, or someones duty: You ought to admit that you made a mistake. They ought not to be allowed to damage property without paying compensation. to predict that something is fairly likely or expected, based on normal circumstances or logic: Our long-delayed mail is on the way from France and ought to arrive today. The weather oughtnt to be cold in May. to offer or ask for advice or recommendations: If you havent read the book then you ought to see the movie. What ought to be done to improve things?