bad chance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad chance" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey a clear meaning.
It could be interpreted as referring to an unfavorable opportunity or likelihood, but it lacks clarity and is not standard usage. Example: "Given the circumstances, we had a bad chance of winning the game."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

That was actually not a bad chance.

The Guardian - Sport

"A guy that talented coming off the bench, it's not a bad chance to take," D'Antoni said.... David Lee had 17 points and 11 rebounds, his 22nd consecutive double-double.

The New York Times - Sports

For someone devoted to risk reduction, this is a bad chance to take.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Other models of cancer were put forward, with causes including bad luck, chance, family history and smoking.

British Journal of Cancer

"If you tell your average 9-year-old that all people from this part of the world are bad, chances are they're not going to buy it," said Mr. Smith-Stevens, now 18.

The New York Times

Others followed and were almost as bad; chances for Espanyol to make it 2-0 atd, at 1-1, to go back in the lead; even chances to equalise at 2-1 down.

The Guardian - Sport

"If it did something bad, chances are it's in here," says Haynes in the trailer.

TechCrunch

Looking at those individuals who are not employed in a given period and who actually find a job the subsequent year, we find that those who declare to had bad or very bad chances of getting a job in Spain are more likely to become self-employed.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

It's an attempt – the director Duane Hopkins has said – at a "lyrical" social realism; there are plenty of lens flares and throbbing ambient soundscapes as Tim lurches from chances bad to chances worse.

Vice

"It doesn't mean that accidents don't happen but, touch wood, he had his fair share of bad luck when his chance of winning the Tour was ended last year, when I felt he was in great shape.

BBC

Namely that emphasizing chance, or bad luck, may lead one to join erroneously with Estragon in the opening line of Samuel Beckett's play, 'Waiting for Godot' and conclude, 'Nothing to be done'.

Carcinogenesis

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bad chance", consider if a more common phrase like "slim chance" or "poor odds" would provide greater clarity and impact.

Common error

While "bad chance" isn't incorrect, relying on less common phrases can make your writing sound unnatural. Diversify your vocabulary, but prioritize clarity with phrases that are more widely understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad chance" functions as a noun phrase where "bad" is an adjective modifying the noun "chance". Ludwig AI indicates that it describes an unfavorable opportunity or low probability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bad chance" is grammatically acceptable but not particularly common. As Ludwig AI notes, alternative phrases like "slim chance" or "poor odds" are often preferred for greater clarity. It functions to express a low probability or unfavorable opportunity, typically in neutral to informal contexts. While present in news and media, its rarity suggests that writers should consider more conventional alternatives to enhance readability and impact. Overall, while not incorrect, "bad chance" may not be the most effective choice in many writing situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slim chance

Emphasizes the small likelihood of something happening, focusing on the reduced probability.

poor odds

Highlights the unfavorable nature of the chances, suggesting a disadvantage.

low probability

Focuses on the statistical aspect, indicating a reduced likelihood of success.

unlikely prospect

Stresses the improbability of the outcome, portraying it as doubtful.

remote possibility

Indicates a distant and slight chance, emphasizing the unlikelihood.

meager hope

Highlights the limited amount of hope associated with the chance, implying a discouraging outlook.

bleak outlook

Emphasizes the negative future associated with the chances, suggesting a pessimistic view.

dismal prospect

Stresses the depressing and unfavorable nature of the chance, implying a discouraging outlook.

unfavorable opportunity

Highlights that although it is an opportunity, its characteristics are not the best.

precarious situation

Indicates that chances are risky because the situation is unstable or uncertain.

FAQs

What does "bad chance" mean?

The phrase "bad chance" indicates an unfavorable opportunity or a low probability of success. It suggests that the odds are not in your favor.

What are some alternatives to "bad chance"?

You can use alternatives like "slim chance", "poor odds", or "low probability" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "bad chance"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, but it is not the most common way to express the idea of a low probability. Other phrases are generally preferred for their clarity and common usage.

When is it appropriate to use "bad chance" in writing?

While grammatically sound, consider using more common alternatives in formal or professional writing. "Bad chance" might be suitable in informal contexts, but it's essential to ensure clarity and impact.