scant opportunity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scant opportunity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is very little chance or possibility for something to happen. Example: "Due to the tight schedule, there was scant opportunity for discussion before the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

In common with other EU countries, Britain provides scant opportunity for legal immigration.

The Economist

There is scant opportunity to just sit at a desk and ponder big questions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Black and Asian women face all the difficulties of their white counterparts with the added challenge of scant opportunity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Rival political parties are allowed to exist in both areas, but with no region-wide elections since 1992, they have scant opportunity to prove themselves.

The Economist

The typical cartel product vitamins, paper, petrol, glass, bulk chemicals—is a commodity offering scant opportunity for the branding that might create some pricing power.

The Economist

Now the Australian tour seems just as interminably long, yet affords the out-of-form player scant opportunity to iron out flaws and restore confidence.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Yet we've been out of work for over a year with scant opportunities.

The New York Times

But Tuesday, there were scant opportunities to see her, and her precise movements were not revealed to the public.

The New York Times

LONDON — You wouldn't know it from the scant opportunities to see his work on stage, but Jean-Philippe Rameau was one of the great opera composers.

The New York Times - Arts

Some areas, such as Oxford and South Cambridgeshire, offer a decent shot at a good job, but scant opportunities for children - despite the world-leading universities and public schools in the area.

Independent

With scant opportunities under communism to join in the costly business of finding new drugs, the newcomers' drug companies all produce almost nothing but generics, except for Pliva, a Croatian firm that has developed a well-selling antibiotic.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scant opportunity", ensure the context clearly indicates what the limited opportunity pertains to. For example, specify the area, skill, or situation where opportunity is lacking. This clarifies the meaning and enhances the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "scant opportunity" when there are actually multiple chances or avenues available. "Scant" implies a severe limitation, so reserve it for situations where prospects are truly minimal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scant opportunity" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. The adjective "scant" quantifies the noun "opportunity", indicating a limited or insufficient amount or availability. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "scant opportunity" effectively conveys a lack of chances or possibilities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not as frequent as alternatives like "limited opportunity", its impact lies in emphasizing the scarcity of prospects. It is most commonly found in news and media, but is useful in science and formal settings. When employing "scant opportunity", ensure the context clearly specifies what aspect is limited and avoid overstating the degree of limitation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarce chance

Highlights the lack of available opportunities.

slim chance

Emphasizes the low probability of success.

slight possibility

Focuses on the very low probability of an event.

remote possibility

Emphasizes the unlikelihood of something happening.

restricted possibility

Highlights the constraints on what can occur.

minimal window

Implies a very short timeframe.

limited scope

Focuses on the narrowness of possibilities.

negligible opening

Stresses the insignificance of the available chance.

meager prospect

Underscores the unlikelihood of a favorable outcome.

rare instance

Highlights the infrequency of the occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "scant opportunity" in a sentence?

You can use "scant opportunity" to describe situations where there is little to no chance for something. For example, "There was scant opportunity for negotiation given the rigid demands of the other party."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "scant opportunity"?

Alternatives include "limited opportunity", "slim chance", or "rare instance" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "scant opportunity" or "limited opportunity"?

"Scant opportunity" emphasizes a more severe lack of opportunity compared to "limited opportunity". Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of restriction.

Can "scant" be used with other nouns besides "opportunity"?

Yes, "scant" can be used with other nouns to indicate a small or insufficient amount. For example, "scant attention", "scant resources", or "scant evidence".