dubious prospects

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dubious prospects" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe uncertain or questionable future outcomes or opportunities in various contexts, such as business, career, or personal situations. Example: "The company's financial report revealed dubious prospects for growth in the upcoming year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Dubious prospects.

The New York Times - Sports

From the autumn of 1791 the king tied his hopes of political salvation to the dubious prospects of foreign intervention.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Successful schools for the poor have long been written off as wildflowers in the educational desert that dominates their neighborhoods -- mirages or miracles, but dubious prospects for portability.

The New York Times

No resident of Drumthwacket, the governor's mansion, wants to hear gambling analysts complaining to whoever will listen about dubious prospects for Atlantic City.

The New York Times

This is an area where a federal stimulus program could both pay for needed projects and put to work a sector of the economy that has otherwise dubious prospects, even if the overall economy does continue to improve.

The New York Times

If the all-too-real logistical and financial difficulties are not enough to swat down such ambitions, certainly the dubious prospects of acquiring grapes and equipment and enough money would do the trick.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

But the work also raised the more dubious prospect of a prenatal test for sexual orientation.

The Guardian

Yet a world that might correspond to the one seen in his painting "The Menaced Assassin" presents a dubious prospect.

The New York Times - Arts

It seemed a dubious prospect: a presentation of a bubbly holiday favorite, Johann Strauss's "Fledermaus," in April.

The New York Times - Arts

Oracle is also holding a free concert for show attendees late into Wednesday, making attendance at an early Thursday session a dubious prospect.

The New York Times

Until that dubious prospect is realized, however, we shouldn't expect our architects to do more than aestheticize the actual urban condition.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing investments or business ventures, use "dubious prospects" to convey skepticism about their potential success.

Common error

While "dubious prospects" is grammatically sound, it leans toward formal language. In casual conversation, consider using simpler alternatives like "slim chance" or "not looking good" to better suit the tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dubious prospects" functions primarily as a noun phrase with an adjectival modifier. It serves to describe future possibilities that are viewed with skepticism or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dubious prospects" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes uncertain or questionable future outcomes. As noted by Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and appropriate for use in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, signaling doubt or concern about potential results. While versatile, consider the register when using it in informal settings, opting for simpler alternatives if needed. The analysis indicates that "dubious prospects" effectively conveys skepticism and uncertainty in a variety of situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dubious outlook

The word "prospects" is replaced with "outlook", slightly changing the focus to a general view of the future.

uncertain outlook

Focuses on the uncertainty and lack of clarity regarding future possibilities, rather than necessarily implying negativity.

questionable possibilities

Emphasizes the doubt surrounding the feasibility or desirability of the potential outcomes.

unpromising future

Highlights the lack of positive indicators for what is to come.

slim chance

Indicates that the likelihood of success or a positive outcome is very low.

bleak future

Highlights the negativity and lack of promise in the times ahead.

poor chances

Simple and direct, indicating a low probability of a favorable result.

tenuous hopes

Suggests that any positive expectations are fragile and easily undermined.

risky venture

Focuses on the potential dangers or downsides of undertaking a particular action.

shaky proposition

Implies that the idea or plan is not well-founded or likely to succeed.

FAQs

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

You can use "dubious prospects" to describe situations where the future outcomes are uncertain or questionable. For example, "The company's financial report revealed "dubious prospects" for growth in the upcoming year."

What can I say instead of "dubious prospects"?

You can use alternatives like "uncertain outlook", "questionable possibilities", or "slim chance" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "dubious prospects" or "dubious perspective"?

"Dubious prospects" refers to uncertain or unfavorable future possibilities, while "dubious perspective" refers to a questionable point of view. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "dubious prospects" and "unpromising future"?

"Dubious prospects" emphasizes the uncertainty and doubt surrounding potential outcomes, whereas "unpromising future" highlights the lack of positive indicators for what is to come.