diminished prospects

USAGE SUMMARY

"diminished prospects" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or forecast in which there is a decrease in opportunities or possibilities for success. Example: "The economic recession has led to diminished prospects for recent college graduates seeking employment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Even athletes fortunate enough to find work in television upon retirement typically have to accept radically diminished prospects.

The New York Times

But as Google moves to buy Motorola Mobility, RIM, already under pressure from diminished prospects and declining market share, is once again the subject of takeover talk.

The New York Times

Where youngsters once knuckled down in the hope of a lifetime position at Toyota or Fujitsu, diminished prospects prompted them into a very Japanese form of subversion – wearing outlandish clothes and pink hair dye.

The Guardian - Opinion

Standard & Poor's has said Iceland's credit ratings could be downgraded to "junk" status in the wake of the vote while Fitch has said the result diminished prospects of Iceland regaining an investment grade rating in the near future.

The New York Times

Not only is this a basic violation of social justice, but it does not bode well for the future: these children have diminished prospects for contributing to their country's future.

The New York Times

In too many communities across this country in cities and suburbs and rural hamlets, the shadow of poverty casts a pall over our youth, their lives a fortress of substandard schools and diminished prospects, inadequate health care and perennial violence.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

He sees diminishing prospects for settling the border dispute.

The Economist

Then there's our lack of jobs, lack of income growth, diminishing prospects and dwindling opportunities.

The New York Times

Most define the notion as advancing human endeavors without diminishing prospects for future generations.

The New York Times - Science

After all, it would still be saddled with a stake in a debt-laden firm with diminishing prospects.

The Economist

Law school applications are headed for a 30-year low, reflecting increased concern over soaring tuition, crushing student debt and diminishing prospects of lucrative employment upon graduation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "diminished prospects", consider the specific area or aspect that is affected. For example, specify "diminished prospects for employment" or "diminished prospects for economic growth" to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "diminished prospects" in situations that are only mildly negative. Reserve it for scenarios where the potential for improvement or success is significantly reduced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "diminished prospects" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "diminished" modifies the noun "prospects". It typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence, describing a state or condition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "diminished prospects" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes a decline in future opportunities or expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to describe a state or condition, and it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it's best to specify the affected area and avoid overuse in mildly negative situations. Related phrases include "reduced opportunities" and "bleak outlook". Overall, "diminished prospects" is a valuable term for accurately depicting scenarios where positive potential has decreased.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced opportunities

Replaces 'prospects' with a more direct synonym, focusing on the lack of chances.

bleak outlook

Substitutes both 'diminished' and 'prospects' with terms suggesting a pessimistic future.

limited potential

Emphasizes the constrained possibilities for growth or success.

poor future

Simplifies the phrase to highlight the negative prediction of what is to come.

fading hopes

Focuses on the emotional aspect of losing positive expectations.

deteriorating outlook

Highlights the declining nature of the future possibilities.

shrinking possibilities

Emphasizes the reduction in the scope of available options.

declining future

Uses a different verb to convey the downward trend in future opportunities.

narrowing horizons

Employs a metaphor to suggest the limitations in scope and opportunity.

waning expectations

Focuses on the decreasing level of positive anticipation.

FAQs

How can I use "diminished prospects" in a sentence?

You can use "diminished prospects" to describe situations where opportunities or expectations have decreased. For example, "The economic downturn has led to "diminished prospects" for young workers."

What are some alternatives to "diminished prospects"?

Some alternatives include "reduced opportunities", "bleak outlook", or "limited potential", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "diminished prospects" in formal writing?

Yes, "diminished prospects" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news articles, reports, and academic papers where describing a decline in positive expectations is relevant.

What's the difference between "diminished prospects" and "fading hopes"?

"Diminished prospects" generally refers to a tangible reduction in opportunities or realistic expectations, while "fading hopes" focuses more on the emotional aspect of losing optimism.