an unlikely prospect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unlikely prospect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or outcome that is not expected to happen or is considered improbable. Example: "While we hope for a positive outcome, the reality is that success in this venture is an unlikely prospect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

As a result, early stage companies are calling institutional investors to finance their first steps –an unlikely prospect in the traditionally risk-averse investment culture of Latin America.

TechCrunch

As a result, early stage companies are calling institutional investors to finance their first steps –an unlikely prospect in the traditionally risk-averse investment culture of Latin America.

TechCrunch

That seems an unlikely prospect.

The Guardian - Sport

Similarly, a binding code of ethics seems an unlikely prospect.

The Economist

The Atlantic Wire, citing ABC news, says he's not being vetted, so he's an unlikely prospect.

The New York Times

To do so, he would need the support of the Kurds in Parliament, an unlikely prospect.

The New York Times

It was an unlikely prospect, especially when the kitchen remained so stubbornly incomprehensible.

The New Yorker

But that would mean an end to the switching culture – an unlikely prospect.

The Guardian - Money

Given the dire straits of most European armed forces, this is an unlikely prospect.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Greenland holds about 10% of the world's ice, so if it melts completely--though an unlikely prospect--it would raise global sea level about 6.5 meters.

Science Magazine

Without sweeping reform an unlikely prospect in an election year the next president will see similar numbers in 2009.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an unlikely prospect" when you want to express that a particular outcome or event is improbable, but not entirely impossible. It's stronger than saying something is merely 'unlikely'.

Common error

Avoid using "an unlikely prospect" when the outcome is truly impossible. The phrase implies a low probability, not a zero probability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unlikely prospect" functions as a noun phrase with an adjective modifier. It identifies a situation or outcome that is improbable. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase adheres to standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an unlikely prospect" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a situation or outcome with a low probability of occurring. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is versatile enough for both formal and informal contexts, particularly prevalent in News & Media and academic writing. When considering alternatives, phrases like "a slim chance" or "a remote possibility" can be used, maintaining a similar tone and meaning. It's important to avoid using this phrase when the outcome is truly impossible, as it implies a degree of possibility, however small.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slim chance

Emphasizes the small possibility of something happening.

a remote possibility

Highlights that the chance of occurrence is distant or not very likely.

a long shot

Suggests the attempt is unlikely to succeed but worth trying.

not a prayer

Informal way of saying there is virtually no chance.

scant hope

Indicates that there is very little reason to be optimistic.

dubious expectation

Highlights uncertainty and skepticism about a possible future event.

improbable event

Focuses on the low statistical likelihood of something occurring.

questionable likelihood

Raises doubts about whether something will actually happen.

doubtful outcome

Expresses uncertainty about the result of a particular situation.

uncertain future

Indicates that the future regarding a particular issue is unpredictable.

FAQs

How can I use "an unlikely prospect" in a sentence?

You can use "an unlikely prospect" to describe something that is not expected to happen. For example, "Given their current financial situation, a quick recovery is "an unlikely prospect"".

What are some alternatives to saying "an unlikely prospect"?

You can use alternatives like "a slim chance", "a remote possibility", or "a long shot" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "an unlikely prospect" in formal writing?

Yes, "an unlikely prospect" is suitable for formal writing, as it maintains a professional and neutral tone. It appears in reputable news sources and academic texts.

What's the difference between "an unlikely prospect" and "impossible"?

"An unlikely prospect" suggests a low probability, whereas "impossible" indicates that something cannot occur under any circumstances. "An unlikely prospect" leaves room for a small chance of success, while "impossible" does not.