insufficient chance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "insufficient chance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is not enough opportunity or likelihood for something to occur. Example: "Due to the insufficient chance of success, we decided to abandon the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The Green Book rejected Communism and capitalism, claiming that both systems gave citizens an insufficient chance to share the country's wealth.

The New Yorker

Scotland Yard's counter-terrorism command had previously attempted to build criminal cases against Choudary, only to be rebuffed by the Crown Prosecution Service, which judged there was insufficient chance of gaining a conviction.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

For instance, when existing guidelines or instructions are not available or of insufficient quality, the chance on non-adherence to these guidelines increases, making procedures a risk factor.

BMC Health Services Research

If poultry is purchased while it is deep-frozen and then not fully thawed before it is cooked, there is a good chance that insufficient heat penetration will allow the Salmonella which thrive in the cold to survive in the meat's centre and infect the people who eat it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

'Endocrine response uncertain' is defined as some expression of hormone receptors either quantitatively low or qualitatively insufficient to indicate substantial chance for response to endocrine therapies alone.

British Journal of Cancer

Multiple biopsies are recommended to help reduce the chances of insufficient tissue for histological assessment.

BMC Gastroenterology

A lawyer for the SFO said there was "insufficient evidence" for a realistic chance of conviction.

Independent

A spokeswoman for Britain's Crown Prosecution Service said charges against Mr. Doherty, 25, the former singer of the Libertines, and Alan Wass, 23, a guitarist for the band Left Hand, had been dropped because of "insufficient evidence for a realistic chance of prosecution".

The New York Times

However, a disadvantage of not using uterine flushing was the increased chance of obtaining insufficient sample for analysis.

Human Reproduction

If we carry on with the current incremental model of change the chances are that insufficient emission savings will be made.

The Guardian

Even if the chances of "strategic blackmail or nuclear attack" appear slim today, there is "insufficient certainty surrounding the prospect that it would be imprudent" to abandon Trident, argue the authors of the report.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "insufficient chance", ensure the context clearly defines what outcome is being considered and why the opportunity is lacking. This adds clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "insufficient chance" without specifying what the chance pertains to. For example, instead of saying "There was insufficient chance", specify "There was insufficient chance for the project to succeed due to lack of funding".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "insufficient chance" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun (often implied). It indicates a lack of adequate opportunity or likelihood for something to occur. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

45%

Encyclopedias

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "insufficient chance" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a limited or inadequate opportunity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's most commonly found in news and scientific contexts, expressing doubt or pessimism about potential outcomes. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is versatile and can be replaced with alternatives like "slim opportunity" or "limited prospect" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what outcome is being considered and why the opportunity is lacking for enhanced clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient opportunity

Emphasizes the inadequacy of available opportunities.

inadequate opportunity

Focuses on the lack of sufficient occasion or time to do something.

poor likelihood

This alternative directly addresses the low probability of something happening.

slim opportunity

This alternative emphasizes the low probability or likelihood of a favorable outcome.

unlikely event

Directly states the low probability of the occurrence.

limited prospect

This phrase suggests that the potential or outlook for success is restricted.

remote possibility

This suggests the chance is unlikely to materialize or is far-fetched.

meager possibility

This alternative highlights the small and perhaps unpromising nature of the chance.

dwindling prospects

Suggests a diminishing chance of success or a favorable outcome.

slight hope

Indicates a minimal degree of optimism or expectation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "insufficient chance" in a sentence?

You can replace "insufficient chance" with alternatives like "slim opportunity", "limited prospect", or "poor likelihood" to convey a similar meaning.

What does "insufficient chance" mean?

The phrase "insufficient chance" means there is not enough opportunity or likelihood for a particular outcome to occur or succeed. It indicates a scarcity of favorable circumstances.

Is it better to use "insufficient opportunity" or "insufficient chance"?

Both "insufficient opportunity" and "insufficient chance" are grammatically correct, but they emphasize different aspects. "Insufficient opportunity" highlights the lack of available occasions, while "insufficient chance" emphasizes the low probability of success. The best choice depends on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Can I use "small chance" instead of "insufficient chance"?

Yes, "small chance" is a suitable alternative to "insufficient chance". However, "insufficient chance" might convey a slightly stronger sense of inadequacy than "small chance", depending on the situation.