chilling prospect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "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 chilling prospect of climate change consequences looms over future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Mr Cameron divines a "deeply chilling" prospect of the separatists holding that government to ransom.

The Economist

Yet the reality is that after those protests, 150 professional sports people were widely reported to have been arrested, detained, tortured, imprisoned or excluded from their sports for taking part in the pro-democracy demonstrations – including Al-Araibi, who now faces the chilling prospect of returning to the place he does not want to call home.

The Guardian - Sport

"The City believes that the principles permitting government employees to exchange opinions, advice and criticism freely and frankly, without the chilling prospect of public disclosure, should extend to individuals who have been elected or selected to public office but have not yet assumed office," Paulson wrote me — in an email, of course — answering a question for this article.

HuffPost

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

The New York Times

A truly chilling prospect.

The New York Times

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

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

The Labour Party was so shocked by this dramatic turn of events that for several hours it had nothing to say beyond some reflex muttering about "chilling prospects".The core of Mr Major's proposal is for the current basic state pension--worth around £61 ($98) a week to a retired single man, £95 for a couple--to be replaced with a compulsory, privately provided pension.

The Economist

Worse Yet…Some Very Chilling Prospects.

Forbes

What is more chilling a prospect than eating out with your own children – friends or no friends in tow?

Independent

Spending on new projects is falling, chilling the prospects for jobs and profits.But such effects come with a lag.

The Economist

Defeating the mall, they say, would chill the prospect of future development, push down the price of land and make the creation of a Meadowlands preserve more affordable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chilling prospect" to emphasize the particularly frightening or unsettling nature of a future possibility, especially when discussing potential negative consequences in politics, economics, or social issues.

Common error

Avoid using "chilling prospect" excessively in contexts where the situation, even if concerning, doesn't genuinely evoke a strong sense of fear or dread. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing seem hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chilling prospect" functions as a noun phrase, where "chilling" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "prospect". It typically serves to describe a potential future event or situation that is frightening or deeply concerning. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

91%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chilling prospect" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, primarily in news and media contexts, to describe a potentially frightening or unsettling future event. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage. It serves to evoke a sense of unease and emphasize the severity of a potential negative outcome. While suitable for formal writing, it's important to avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Related phrases include "daunting possibility" and "frightening possibility". The phrase carries a neutral to formal register, making it appropriate for analytical and informative content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

daunting possibility

Replaces 'chilling' with 'daunting', emphasizing the intimidating aspect of the prospect, while retaining the focus on a future possibility.

frightening possibility

Substitutes 'chilling' with 'frightening', directly highlighting the fear-inducing quality of the prospect.

alarming outlook

Replaces 'chilling' with 'alarming', focusing on the concern and worry associated with the future outlook.

dire prediction

Substitutes 'chilling prospect' with 'dire prediction', emphasizing the negative and potentially catastrophic nature of the forecast.

ominous sign

Shifts the focus to an 'ominous sign', suggesting that current events hint at a disturbing future.

unsettling scenario

Replaces 'chilling' with 'unsettling' and 'prospect' with 'scenario', emphasizing the disturbing and disquieting nature of a potential future situation.

disturbing possibility

Similar to 'frightening possibility', but emphasizes the unsettling and disruptive nature of the potential outcome.

grim forecast

Replaces 'chilling prospect' with 'grim forecast', highlighting the bleak and unfavorable nature of the prediction.

terrifying outlook

Similar to 'frightening possibility' but intensifies the feeling of dread with the word 'terrifying'.

bleak future

Simplifies the phrase to emphasize the lack of hope associated with the future being described.

FAQs

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

Use "chilling prospect" to describe a potential future event or situation that inspires fear, anxiety, or serious concern. For example, "The "chilling prospect" of widespread economic recession looms over the country."

What are some alternatives to using "chilling prospect" in writing?

Depending on the specific context, you could use phrases such as "daunting possibility", "frightening possibility", or "alarming outlook" to convey a similar sense of unease or concern.

Is it appropriate to use "chilling prospect" in formal writing?

Yes, "chilling prospect" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news reports, analytical articles, or academic papers where you want to express serious concern about a potential future outcome. However, ensure the tone and context warrant such a strong expression.

What distinguishes "chilling prospect" from a simple 'negative outcome'?

"Chilling prospect" conveys a more intense emotional response than a simple 'negative outcome'. It suggests a scenario that is not only undesirable but also profoundly unsettling or fear-inducing. For less severe situations, consider using a more neutral term like 'negative outcome' or 'unfavorable development'.