a dreadful prospect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dreadful prospect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or outcome that is feared or considered very unpleasant. Example: "The thought of losing my job during the economic downturn was a dreadful prospect that kept me awake at night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It is a dreadful prospect.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whether you left by choice or not, the ocean voyage to reach your destination was a dreadful prospect.

The Guardian - Books

It may simply be because it suddenly dawns on the undecided voters what a dreadful prospect Mr Ozawa's resurgence would be for the country as a whole.

The Economist

This wouldn't be an exciting prospect — it would, in fact, be a dreadful prospect — except that Chowder is possibly the most appealing narrator Baker has invented.

The New York Times - Books

For many, however, it is a dreadful prospect – the return to run-down estates with nothing to do, and where they don't even feel safe.

The Guardian

Norbert Röttgen, chairman of the German parliament's foreign affairs committee, and a senior figure in the CDU close to Merkel, says "the French can probably eventually live without the UK inside the EU", but for Germans that is a dreadful prospect.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Ask your average Ukrainian whom he plans to vote for, and he comes out with a disgusted "nobody" or a stream of abuse.In this section A truly dreadful prospect Roublette Yves-Thibault de Silguy, euro-navigator Pity the children France's right-wing disarray Bubbling away Reprints Related items Belarus: RoubletteMar 26th 1998His disgust is reflected in the opinion polls.

The Economist

What a dreadful view.

Huffington Post

If the EU, China and others were to be denied entry to the council, they would no doubt try to raise Arctic issues elsewhere, probably at the UN, which is a far more dreadful prospect for Arctic countries.

The Economist

The Scottish case brings an even more dreadful prospect.

The Economist

He said it in front of an enthusiastic crowd outside No 10, carried away by the realization that at least for the moment the dreadful prospect of a European-wide war had been averted.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dreadful prospect" when you want to convey a strong sense of unease or fear about something that might happen in the future. It suggests that the potential outcome is not just undesirable, but genuinely alarming or distressing.

Common error

Avoid phrases like "a very dreadful prospect" or "an incredibly dreadful prospect". The word "dreadful" already carries a significant negative connotation, so adding intensifiers can make your writing sound redundant or melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dreadful prospect" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a verb. As Ludwig confirms, it is used to describe something that is anticipated with considerable apprehension or fear. The phrase encapsulates a negative future expectation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dreadful prospect" is a noun phrase used to describe a future event or situation that is viewed with considerable fear and aversion. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in English, primarily within news and media contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, it’s advisable to consider alternative phrases in scenarios that require higher levels of formality. When using this phrase, ensure that the intensity of "dreadful" is appropriate to the situation, avoiding redundancy through the use of intensifiers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a grim outlook

Focuses more on the anticipated future state than the emotional response to it.

a bleak future

Emphasizes the lack of positivity or hope associated with what's to come.

a horrifying possibility

Highlights the potential for extreme fear or shock.

an alarming scenario

Underscores the potential danger or threat involved.

a chilling anticipation

Focuses on the fearful expectation of something negative.

a worrying development

Draws attention to the cause for concern.

a disheartening outlook

Highlights the loss of hope or enthusiasm.

an unappealing option

Downplays the severity, focusing instead on a lack of desirability.

an unwelcome eventuality

Emphasizes the negative reception of something that might happen.

a foreboding situation

Highlights the sense of impending doom or misfortune.

FAQs

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

You can use "a dreadful prospect" to describe a situation that is feared or considered very unpleasant. For instance, "The thought of another lockdown is "a dreadful prospect" for many business owners".

What are some alternatives to "a dreadful prospect"?

You can use alternatives like "a grim outlook", "a bleak future", or "a horrifying possibility" depending on the context.

Is "a dreadful prospect" formal or informal?

"A dreadful prospect" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in news articles and opinion pieces. In very formal settings, consider alternatives like "an unwelcome eventuality".

What makes something "a dreadful prospect"?

Something becomes "a dreadful prospect" when it is not only undesirable but also evokes fear, anxiety, or a strong sense of unease. It suggests a potential negative outcome that is genuinely alarming.