little prospect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little prospect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is unlikely or unlikely to happen. For example, "There is little prospect of the situation improving anytime soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is little prospect of that.

The Economist

There is little prospect of that happening.

The New Yorker

But they have little prospect of growth.

The Economist

There's little prospect of that.

The Guardian

Little prospect for negotiation exists for now.

The New York Times

But there is little prospect of success.

The Guardian

There seems little prospect of passions cooling.

The Guardian

And there is little prospect of that without global cooperation.

The New York Times

The legislation has little prospect of approval in the Senate.

The New York Times

2) holding little prospect of success; unpromising; likely to fail.

The New York Times

But it probably stands little prospect of success.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "little prospect", consider providing a brief explanation of why the prospect is limited to enhance clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "little prospect" when there is a genuine possibility of success. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the odds are demonstrably low, not just uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little prospect" functions as a qualifier, indicating a low probability or minimal chance of a particular event or outcome occurring. As shown by Ludwig, it modifies a noun, expressing doubt or skepticism.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academic

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "little prospect" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey a low likelihood or minimal chance of something occurring. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reliable sources, predominantly in news and media contexts. Alternatives like "slim chance" or "remote possibility" can be used depending on the specific nuance. When using "little prospect", ensure that it aligns with a realistic assessment of the situation and avoid overstating certainty. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communications, as it effectively conveys pessimism or lack of expectation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slim chance

Emphasizes the improbability of a positive outcome, suggesting the possibility is extremely small.

remote possibility

Indicates that an event is possible but unlikely to occur.

remote chance

Synonymous with "remote possibility", emphasizing unlikelihood.

slight hope

Suggests a minimal amount of optimism or expectation.

faint hope

Similar to "slight hope", implying a weak or fragile chance.

bleak outlook

Focuses on the negative prediction or forecast.

poor outlook

Suggests an unfavorable forecast or prediction.

dim hope

Indicates that the chance of success is not strong.

unlikely scenario

Highlights that a particular situation is improbable.

minimal expectation

Highlights the reduced level of anticipation or optimism.

FAQs

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

You can use "little prospect" to express that something is unlikely to happen. For example, "There is "little prospect" of the negotiations succeeding given the current disagreements."

What are some alternatives to "little prospect"?

Alternatives include "slim chance", "remote possibility", or "slight hope". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "little prospect" or "no prospect"?

"Little prospect" suggests a low probability, while "no prospect" implies impossibility. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the situation's likelihood.

What is the difference between "little prospect" and "limited potential"?

"Little prospect" typically refers to a specific event or outcome, whereas "limited potential" often describes a person's or thing's overall capacity for development or success.