dismal prospect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dismal prospect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or outcome that is bleak or unfavorable. Example: "The team's performance this season has led to a dismal prospect for their chances of making the playoffs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

It is a dismal prospect.

The Guardian - Opinion

And Scranton is far from the only American community to face this dismal prospect.

The Guardian

In the other, she faces the dismal prospect of being paid for sex.

The Guardian

To be a woman in this new world is a dismal prospect.

The Guardian - Books

We are in the run-up to the anti-politics election, and it is a negative, life-denying, dismal prospect.

Independent

Faced, therefore, with the dismal prospect of domestic contraction, both are looking eagerly (or is it desperately?) abroad.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

An outsider might be struck by Bosnia's dismal prospects.

The New Yorker

Britain's economy is set for a "sluggish" recovery dogged by "dismal" prospects for consumer spending, economists are warning.

Independent

With Democrats facing dismal prospects in the November elections, the party is weighing President Barack Obama's role in the midterms.

The Washington Post

One seed company, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, finally stopped research on new varieties in 1999 because of the dismal prospects.

The New York Times

These workers, many in their 50's, are left with a few months' health insurance and dismal prospects.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dismal prospect" to clearly and concisely convey a negative or unfavorable outlook, especially when discussing potential future outcomes or scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "dismal prospect" in contexts where the situation is merely inconvenient or mildly disappointing; reserve it for genuinely serious or threatening scenarios to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dismal prospect" functions as a noun phrase, where "dismal" is an adjective modifying the noun "prospect". It describes a future possibility or situation that is undesirable or negative. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is considered correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dismal prospect" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a negative or unfavorable outlook, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently used in news and media, formal business writing, and scientific contexts to express concern or pessimism about a future situation. While it is appropriate for both formal and informal use, it should be reserved for genuinely serious scenarios to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "bleak outlook" or "gloomy forecast" can provide similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bleak outlook

Focuses on the anticipated outcome or future state, emphasizing its negativity.

gloomy forecast

Specifically refers to a prediction of negative events or circumstances.

grim future

Emphasizes the severity and unpleasantness of what is to come.

unfavorable outcome

Highlights the undesirable results or consequences of a situation.

depressing scenario

Focuses on the emotionally disheartening nature of the situation.

discouraging possibility

Emphasizes the lack of encouragement or hope associated with the potential event.

bleak scenario

Focuses on the lack of positive signs in the situation.

dire prediction

Conveys a sense of urgency and impending disaster in the forecast.

unpromising situation

Highlights the lack of positive indicators or potential for improvement.

dark outlook

Similar to "bleak outlook", but with a slightly more dramatic or ominous tone.

FAQs

How can I use "dismal prospect" in a sentence?

You can use "dismal prospect" to describe a negative future outcome. For example: "The company's financial troubles present a "dismal prospect" for its employees."

What are some alternatives to "dismal prospect"?

Alternatives include "bleak outlook", "gloomy forecast", or "grim future". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "dismal prospect" formal or informal?

"Dismal prospect" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, although it's more commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and business reports.

When is it appropriate to use "dismal prospect"?

Use "dismal prospect" when you want to emphasize the negative or unfavorable nature of a potential future outcome. For instance, you might describe the "dismal prospect" of climate change if emissions are not reduced.