tenuous expectation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tenuous expectation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a belief or anticipation that is weak or not firmly established. Example: "Given the current market conditions, investors have a tenuous expectation of a quick recovery."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In contemporary Cuba, as in Eastern Europe in the 1990s, entrepreneurs manage evolving customer expectations, tenuous and confusing legal structures and the worry that they are unprepared to respond to a potential market opportunity in their own back yard.

The Washington Post

And so, with my expectations of further life as tenuous as those of old Bolkonsky falling off his horse, I search my shelf for the copy to read yet again.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Lehmann et al [ 9] take a historical perspective on the operational challenges for CHW interventions, they articulate the tenuous positioning of CHWs vis-à-vis their roles and expectations, within the health system and the communities they serve.

BMC Health Services Research

They face high expectations from the party's liberal base, at the same time that they must govern with a tenuous majority and a party caucus stretched between liberals from the two coasts and conservatives from the South.

The New York Times

Tenuous Tether.

Harvard University

The calm is tenuous.

The New York Times

A tenuous calm reigns.

The New Yorker

The situation remains tenuous.

The New York Times - Sports

It's tenuous, obviously.

The New York Times

However, the estimate is tenuous.

The New York Times

But its fate remains tenuous.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tenuous expectation" when you want to express that an anticipation is not firmly grounded or likely to materialize. It is suitable for formal contexts where precision is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "tenuous expectation" when the situation warrants a stronger, more confident prediction. Opt for phrases like "reasonable expectation" or "strong belief" if the context implies a higher degree of certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tenuous expectation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "tenuous" modifies the noun "expectation". It describes the nature of the expectation as being weak, uncertain, or not firmly based. While Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct, its limited usage suggests it may not be the most common choice.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tenuous expectation" describes an anticipation that is not firmly established, suggesting uncertainty about its fulfillment. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase. While grammatically sound, its limited real-world usage indicates it may not be the most frequent choice for expressing this concept. Alternatives such as "fragile hope" or "slim prospect" might be more common, depending on the desired nuance. When employing "tenuous expectation", ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning of a weakly held anticipation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fragile hope

Replaces "expectation" with "hope" and "tenuous" with "fragile", emphasizing the delicate nature of the anticipation.

slim prospect

Uses "prospect" instead of "expectation" and "slim" instead of "tenuous", indicating a low probability of occurrence.

uncertain anticipation

Substitutes "tenuous" with "uncertain", highlighting the lack of assurance in the expectation.

weak anticipation

Replaces "tenuous" with "weak", stressing the feeble nature of the expectation.

doubtful prospect

Similar to "slim prospect" but with a stronger emphasis on doubt.

remote possibility

Emphasizes the distance or unlikelihood of the expectation being realized.

flimsy hope

Combines the fragility of "flimsy" with the aspiration of "hope".

shaky anticipation

Uses "shaky" to convey the unstable or unreliable nature of the anticipation.

vague expectation

Highlights the lack of clarity or definition in the expectation.

implausible hope

Suggests that the hope is unlikely to be realized or believed.

FAQs

How can I use "tenuous expectation" in a sentence?

You can use "tenuous expectation" to describe a situation where anticipation exists, but is unlikely to occur. For example: "Given the company's financial struggles, investors have a "tenuous expectation" of high returns this year."

What are some alternatives to "tenuous expectation"?

Alternatives include "fragile hope", "slim prospect", or "uncertain anticipation". The best choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "tenuous expectation" or "weak expectation"?

"Tenuous expectation" suggests a more delicate and less substantial anticipation, while "weak expectation" implies a general lack of strength or conviction in the anticipation. The subtle difference in meaning makes them suitable for different contexts.

What does "tenuous" mean in the context of "tenuous expectation"?

In this context, "tenuous" means that the expectation is held weakly or is not firmly based on evidence or reason. It suggests that the expectation is likely to change or not be realized.