slim prospect

USAGE SUMMARY

"slim prospect" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is unlikely to happen or be successful. For example: "The team had a slim prospect of winning the championship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"It is a slim prospect as are nearly all of our prospects for the near term," he said.

The New York Times

For homeless people in the Bay Area, the difficulty is less not having a home as the slim prospect of ever getting one.

The Economist

Those with a greater – though still slim – prospect of survival may be off of Egypt, Australia (including the Great Barrier Reef), Cuba, Indonesia and the Philippines.

The Guardian

And there is only a slim prospect of a medal on Monday for Alison Young in the Laser Radial final and none at all for the 2008 gold medallist Paul Goodison in the Laser.

Independent

The official would not give details about the terms of the deal, citing privacy issues, but said it was likely that Jeter's lawyers wanted to settle because of the slim prospect of his winning in court.

The New York Times

The slim prospect that one or both teams will make the playoffs can also hurt the Garden because locking in dates for basketball or hockey games limits the arena's ability to make money from other attractions.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

" But opponents give a single-payer plan slim prospects.

The New York Times

His answer, given the slim prospects for the future in Gaza, is difficult to believe.

Independent

But all have slim prospects of joining the EU in the lifetime of anyone reading this article.

The Economist

Asked about his own slim prospects for a mayoral endorsement, he replied mischievously: "I was waiting by the phone".

The New York Times

Corporate tax revenues have slackened, and declining business confidence suggests slim prospects for an uptick anytime soon.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slim prospect", ensure the context clearly indicates what the prospect refers to and why it is considered unlikely. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "slim prospect" when there is no realistic possibility at all. It suggests a small chance, not an impossibility. For situations with zero chance, use phrases like "no chance" or "impossible".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slim prospect" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "slim" modifies the noun "prospect". It describes the quality of the prospect, indicating that it is not very promising. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slim prospect" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a low probability or unlikely outcome. According to Ludwig, the phrase functions as a noun phrase and its primary purpose is to express doubt or pessimism. It is most frequently found in news and media sources, suggesting a neutral register. While not overly formal, it's appropriate for journalistic and professional contexts. Alternatives like "slight chance" or "remote possibility" can be used to convey similar meanings. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly specifies the prospect and the reasons for its unlikelihood to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight chance

Replaces "prospect" with "chance" and maintains the adjective "slim", altering the noun but keeping the core meaning.

remote possibility

Substitutes both "slim" and "prospect" with synonyms that express a low likelihood.

unlikely outcome

Focuses on the result rather than the anticipation of something, implying the event is improbable.

meager hope

Replaces "prospect" with "hope" and "slim" with "meager", emphasizing the small amount of hope associated with something.

tenuous outlook

Uses a more formal vocabulary, suggesting the outlook is fragile and not firmly based.

poor likelihood

Replaces prospect with likelihood and slim with poor. Changes the phrasing but keeps core meaning.

limited opportunity

Shifts the focus to the availability of opportunity instead of the chance of something happening.

minimal expectation

Emphasizes the reduced level of anticipation or belief that something will occur.

faint anticipation

Highlights the weak level of anticipation, suggesting a low expectation of something positive.

negligible probability

Uses more technical vocabulary to describe a very small statistical chance.

FAQs

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

You can use "slim prospect" to describe situations where success or a positive outcome is unlikely. For example, "There is a "slim prospect" that the negotiations will succeed."

What are some alternatives to "slim prospect"?

Alternatives include "slight chance", "remote possibility", or "unlikely outcome", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "slim prospect" formal or informal?

"Slim prospect" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts. While not overly technical, it's commonly found in news and professional writing. More informal alternatives might include "not much of a chance".

What does "slim prospect" imply about the possibility of something happening?

It implies that while not impossible, the likelihood of something happening is low. It suggests a potential for success, but one that is significantly diminished or challenged.