a chilling prospect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a chilling prospect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or outcome that is frightening or unsettling to consider. Example: "The thought of climate change leading to widespread famine is a chilling prospect for future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Between now and May 18 , 2013 there will be four more waves, a chilling prospect for prospective investors.

The New York Times

This is a chilling prospect given Libya's oil wealth and its proximity to Europe.

Independent

And walking away could make the nuclear-armed government even more unstable — a chilling prospect.

The New York Times

She has asked Dame Margaret Beckett to head a commission devoted to the causes of Labour's defeat, a chilling prospect.

Independent

A WAR between two nuclear-armed states that share a border and a blood-feud is a chilling prospect.

The Economist

Former paralympian Tanni Grey-Thompson, for instance, says relaxation of the rules presents "a chilling prospect" for disabled people.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

But there are also risks: enough boos get one whisked offstage by a tap-dancing "executioner" — a particularly chilling prospect for a teacher whose students are watching.

The New York Times

A truly chilling prospect.

The New York Times

That is a truly chilling prospect that can no longer be ignored.

The Guardian - Opinion

Given the road that patriotism and unity led us down, going back to 9/12 now seems like a downright chilling prospect.

Vice

Inside Syria, Assad has consolidated support among many who, while opposed to his family's four-decade autocratic rule, view his secular government as a bulwark against the chilling prospect of a jihadist takeover.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a chilling prospect" when you want to emphasize the frightening or disturbing potential of a future event or situation. This phrase is particularly effective when discussing serious issues with potentially severe consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "a chilling prospect" in casual conversations or informal writing. The phrase carries a weight of seriousness and is best suited for formal discussions, analyses, or news reports where a sense of gravity is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a chilling prospect" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and characterizes a future event or situation as something frightening or deeply concerning, as showcased in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a chilling prospect" is a noun phrase used to express concern or alarm about a potential future event. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it's a valid phrase, remember to reserve its use to formal contexts in order to transmit a sense of worry about a potential issue, avoiding more trivial or informal sentences. Alternatives, include ""a frightening possibility"" or ""a grim outlook"", can be employed depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bleak prospect

Underscores the lack of hope or positive expectations.

a frightening possibility

Highlights the fear-inducing aspect of the potential event.

a terrifying scenario

Emphasizes the potential for extreme fear or dread.

a daunting possibility

Emphasizes the intimidating or overwhelming nature of the potential event.

a disturbing eventuality

Focuses on the unsettling or disquieting nature of the possible outcome.

a grim outlook

Focuses on the bleak or somber nature of the future situation.

an alarming forecast

Highlights the sense of danger or threat associated with the predicted future.

a troubling outlook

Highlights the problematic or concerning nature of the future situation.

a worrying development

Highlights the concern or anxiety caused by the unfolding situation.

a disquieting anticipation

Emphasizes the unease and anxiety experienced while awaiting a potential event.

FAQs

How can I use "a chilling prospect" in a sentence?

You can use "a chilling prospect" to describe a potentially frightening or unsettling future event. For example, "The rise of artificial intelligence without ethical guidelines is "a chilling prospect"."

What are some alternatives to "a chilling prospect"?

Alternatives include "a frightening possibility", "a grim outlook", or "a terrifying scenario". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What makes "a chilling prospect" different from "a worrying development"?

"A chilling prospect" emphasizes the fear and unease associated with a potential future event, while "a worrying development" focuses more on the concern and anxiety caused by an unfolding situation. The former is about potential terror, the latter about actual anxiety.

Is "a chilling prospect" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a chilling prospect" is well-suited for formal writing, especially in contexts where you need to convey a sense of serious concern or foreboding. It's commonly found in news reports, analytical articles, and academic papers. It is also valid in business scenarios, but is better to prefer "a troubling outlook" in a professional context.