a poor bet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a poor bet" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the likelihood of success or the value of a decision, investment, or choice that is considered unfavorable. Example: "Investing in that failing company seems like a poor bet given their recent financial struggles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Exports now look a poor bet.

The Economist

It's a poor bet, though, considering O'Reilly's record of un-accountability.

The Washington Post

American corn, though close at hand, would have been a poor bet.

MIT Technology Review

Increasing our reliance on corn ethanol in the coming decades is doubling down on a poor bet.

Yale University

Those may be good odds for the industry, but it seems a poor bet for a patient.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mid-size movies have been a poor bet and will have a tough time finding a green light anywhere.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

So many of his seem to have "quite an engine" that Totesport's 6-4 about King having fewer than two winners at the Festival looked a pretty poor bet yesterday.

The Guardian - Sport

Duke will be considered the prohibitive favorite in this field, which might make them a poor value bet in your bracket pool.

The Washington Post

Rife with difficult characters and climaxing in a high-school massacre of the sort Americans are rightly ashamed of, Kevin was a poor commercial bet from the get-go.

The Guardian - Film

Notably, FC-POP CH2PEI FC-POP CH2PEI impressive CO2 storalsoability (3.2/2.6 mmol/g at 273/298 K) in spitexhibits poor BET surface area.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

Our hypothesis looks like the strategy for playing at a horse race: a rich gambler (high-quality females) bets a lot of money (resources) on a sure thing (daughters), but a poor one bets all on a dark horse (sons).

Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a poor bet", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being evaluated as unlikely to succeed. For example, "Investing in that company is a poor bet given its debt."

Common error

Avoid using "a poor bet" when a situation is simply difficult or challenging but still has a reasonable chance of success. The phrase implies a high likelihood of failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a poor bet" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "poor" modifies the noun "bet". It describes something with a low probability of success, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

19%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a poor bet" is a common phrase used to describe something with a low probability of success. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, as evidenced by numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Economist. While its usage is predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in academic and scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects a high likelihood of failure. Related phrases include "a bad risk" and "a losing proposition", offering alternative ways to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bad risk

Emphasizes the element of risk and potential negative consequences.

a losing proposition

Highlights the likelihood of failure and loss.

an unwise investment

Focuses specifically on financial implications and lack of wisdom.

a gamble with low odds

Stresses the unfavorable probabilities associated with the choice.

an imprudent decision

Indicates a lack of careful consideration and potential for negative outcomes.

a questionable choice

Suggests uncertainty and doubt about the suitability of the option.

a dubious undertaking

Implies skepticism and reservations about the viability of the venture.

a chancy endeavor

Highlights the inherent risk and uncertainty involved.

a dicey situation

Emphasizes the precariousness and potential for negative consequences.

a long shot

Suggests a very low probability of success.

FAQs

How can I use "a poor bet" in a sentence?

Use "a poor bet" to describe a choice or investment with a low chance of success. For example, "Relying solely on that strategy is "a poor bet"."

What are some alternatives to saying "a poor bet"?

You can use phrases like "a bad risk", "a losing proposition", or "an unwise investment" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a poor bet" in formal writing?

Yes, "a poor bet" is suitable for formal writing, including news articles and academic papers. However, consider using more precise language depending on the context. In a business context you might use the term "a bad risk" or "an unwise investment".

What does it mean when something is described as "a poor bet"?

It means that the outcome is unlikely to be favorable or successful. It suggests that there are significant risks or disadvantages associated with that particular choice or course of action.