low reward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "low reward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing incentives, outcomes, or benefits that are minimal or not significant. Example: "The project was deemed unworthy of investment due to its low reward compared to the risks involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

But it is also likely to be low reward.

The New York Times

From the perspective of the cat, that's a "high risk, low reward" scenario.

The New York Times - Magazine

Andrew Breitbart, summing it up after the fact, called the Landrieu sting a "high risk, low reward" mistake.

The New York Times - Magazine

We investigate how the probability to immigrate into patches of low reward changes with model parameters.

Journal of Theoretical Biology

In the context of SMEs, the firms consider both risks associated with failure rate and low reward to self-employment.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

For example, we show that immigration into patches of low reward increases when the emigration probability in these patches increases.

Journal of Theoretical Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

However, low pay likely induces high work stress, independent of migrant status, and indeed other studies have shown that high effort-low reward relationships promote smoking [ 19, 26].

BMC Public Health

His speech on October 3rd painted this as a high-risk, low-reward strategy.

The Economist

The Rangers have learned over the last week that they are a low-scoring, low-risk, low-reward team.

The New York Times - Sports

Temp Insanity Manage scant resources and struggle to overcome formidable odds in this high-risk, low-reward game set in the world of temporary office work.

The New Yorker

Experts say migrant smuggling must be transformed from a "low-risk, high-reward" enterprise to a "high-risk, low-reward" one.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing situations with unfavorable risk-reward ratios, use "low reward" to underscore the imbalance. For example, highlight how a "high-risk, low reward" scenario might deter investment or participation.

Common error

Don't use "low reward" when you mean "no reward". "Low reward" indicates a minimal return, whereas "no reward" means there is absolutely no benefit or gain at all. Make sure to use the correct term to accurately describe the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low reward" functions as an adjective modifying a noun, typically describing a situation, action, or investment that yields minimal benefit or return. It is often used in contexts where a comparison is being made between the effort or risk involved and the potential gain. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is valid and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "low reward" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes situations where the benefit or return is minimal compared to the effort or risk involved. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's often used in conjunction with "high risk" to underscore unfavorable circumstances. While applicable across different registers, it's particularly common in scientific, news, and business contexts. Alternatives include "meager benefit" and "limited return", providing writers with varied options to express similar concepts while avoiding confusion with situations of "no reward".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small payoff

Indicates that the reward received is insignificant.

limited return

Focuses on the restricted amount of profit or advantage received.

minimal gain

Highlights the slight increase or improvement achieved.

meager benefit

Emphasizes the smallness or insufficiency of the advantage gained.

poor yield

Suggests that the outcome is unproductive or provides an insufficient amount.

inadequate compensation

Refers to insufficient remuneration or repayment for effort or loss.

disappointing result

Emphasizes the failure to meet expectations or achieve a satisfactory outcome.

unfavorable outcome

Focuses on the negative or disappointing result of an action or situation.

unproductive investment

Highlights the lack of profitable or beneficial results from an investment of resources.

worthless prize

Indicates that the reward is of little to no value or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "low reward" in a sentence?

You can use "low reward" to describe situations where the return or benefit is minimal compared to the effort or risk involved. For example, "The project was considered a "low reward" endeavor given the high investment required."

What are some alternatives to saying "low reward"?

Alternatives include "meager benefit", "limited return", or "minimal gain". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "low reward"?

Yes, "low reward" is grammatically correct and widely used in both formal and informal contexts.

What's the difference between "low reward" and "high risk"?

"Low reward" refers to the minimal benefit or gain received from an action or investment, while "high risk" refers to the potential for significant loss or negative consequences. They are often used together to describe unfavorable situations, as in "high risk, "low reward"" scenarios.