least promising

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least promising" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has the lowest potential or likelihood of success compared to other options. Example: "Among all the candidates, her proposal was deemed the least promising by the committee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For several reasons the notion of escape seems the least promising.

The New York Times

Pennsylvania has the oldest program, dating from 1991, and so far, the least promising.

The New York Times

The two that sound least promising are the best: pork-stuffed tofu skins sold as "low-carb" dumplings and the molten chocolate mochi dessert dumplings.

The New York Times

In response to 20th Century Fox's plan to adapt the Choose Your Own Adventure series of books into a movie, Vulture ranks the hundred and eighty-five books in the series from most to least promising.

The New Yorker

But we still get a sense of a great corporation exploring the most complex human systems with the most advanced technology, marketing its efforts with graphics and, at the very least, promising us all a brighter future.

The New York Times - Arts

Today's update, then, is at least promising.

TechCrunch

If the approach proposed is questionable, preliminary data can demonstrate that the approach is sound, or at least promising.

Science Magazine

However, in practice there may be a large number of candidate actions at a given state, so the algorithm needs a smarter way to order candidate actions from the most promising to the least promising.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

Strangely enough, some of the shows with the most awards to their names look the least promising.

Huffington Post

In addition, we will draw upon existing modules for which evidence is at least promising.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

The least promising waters are those off Iran.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "least promising" when comparing multiple options and highlighting the one with the lowest potential for success. It's effective in scenarios where you need to critically evaluate prospects or possibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "least promising" when there is only one option being discussed. The phrase implies a comparative assessment; otherwise, use descriptions like "unpromising" or "not promising".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least promising" functions as a superlative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it possesses the lowest degree of potential or likelihood of success compared to other options. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating this function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "least promising" is a correct and commonly used phrase for indicating the option with the lowest likelihood of success. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its validity, supported by numerous examples from reliable sources. It's suitable for neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. When using this phrase, ensure a comparative context exists and consider alternatives like "most unpromising" or "least likely to succeed" to add nuance. The key is to maintain clarity in conveying diminished expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most unpromising

Direct antonymic replacement, emphasizing the lack of potential.

least likely to succeed

Focuses on the probability of failure instead of potential.

with the smallest chance of success

Emphasizes the minimal probability of achieving a positive outcome.

least hopeful

Shifts the focus to a lack of optimism surrounding the prospect.

minimally prospective

Uses a more formal tone to express a reduced outlook.

worst bet

Implies the selection is a poor choice with little upside.

least favorable

Highlights the lack of positive aspects or advantages.

least encouraging

Focuses on the lack of positive reinforcement or support.

poorest prospect

Indicates a significantly diminished outlook or anticipation.

least auspicious

Implies an unfavorable start or set of circumstances.

FAQs

How to use "least promising" in a sentence?

Use "least promising" to describe an option or situation that has the smallest chance of success compared to others. For instance, "Of all the proposed solutions, this one seemed the "least promising"."

What can I say instead of "least promising"?

You can use alternatives like "most unpromising", "least likely to succeed", or "with the smallest chance of success" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "least promising" or "less promising"?

"Least promising" is used when comparing three or more options, identifying the one with the absolute lowest potential. "Less promising" is used when comparing only two options.

Is "least promising" formal or informal?

"Least promising" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the communication.