uncertain prospect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncertain prospect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or outcome that is unclear or unpredictable, often in contexts like business, investment, or personal goals. Example: "The company's future remains an uncertain prospect due to fluctuating market conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

But their alternative is an uncertain prospect.

The Economist

But the tunnel remains an uncertain prospect.

The New York Times

It is a very uncertain prospect but certainly possible.

The New York Times

The uncertain prospect of a merger with PZU could wreck PKO's flotation.

The Economist

Unionizing among Uber drivers is an uncertain prospect, because they're independent contractors.

The New Yorker

Even an uncertain prospect of negotiations is significant.Much credit for the improvement goes to Ashraf Ghani, Afghanistan's president since September.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Repeal faces uncertain prospects in the Senate.

The New York Times

To say immigration reform has uncertain prospects going forward puts it mildly.

The New York Times

Faced with uncertain prospects for recovery, Saab's employees are growing increasingly anxious.

The New York Times

Still, she said, this inexpensive accessory has uncertain prospects of leading to a lifetime habit.

The New York Times

But the bill faces uncertain prospects in the Senate, which is also controlled by Democrats.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "uncertain prospect", consider the specific nuance you want to convey: is it the risk, the ambiguity, or the low probability? Choose synonyms accordingly for greater precision.

Common error

Avoid using "uncertain prospect" in situations that are simply unknown or unclear. Reserve it for scenarios where there's a significant element of risk or potential negative outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncertain prospect" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It modifies another noun by describing its degree of predictability. Ludwig AI validates the phrase is grammatical.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

11%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "uncertain prospect" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that indicates a future event or situation lacking certainty. It's primarily used in News & Media sources, with neutral formality, to express doubt or lack of confidence in an outcome. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity, offering a variety of examples from authoritative sources, and many semantically related alternatives exist, such as "dubious outlook" and "questionable future".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dubious outlook

Focuses more on the negativity or unlikelihood of a favorable outcome.

questionable future

Highlights the uncertainty about what lies ahead, specifically in the long term.

tenuous possibility

Emphasizes the weakness or slim chance of something happening.

precarious situation

Stresses the instability and potential danger associated with the situation.

risky venture

Highlights the element of risk involved, focusing on potential losses.

doubtful anticipation

Focuses on the skepticism and uncertainty surrounding expectations.

unpredictable circumstances

Shifts the focus to the uncontrollable and variable nature of the influencing elements.

ambiguous outlook

Underscores the lack of clarity and definition in the anticipated future.

speculative endeavor

Emphasizes the reliance on conjecture and guesswork due to lack of definitive information.

hazardous undertaking

Highlights the potential dangers and difficulties associated with the endeavor.

FAQs

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

You can use "uncertain prospect" to describe a future event or situation that is not guaranteed or predictable. For example: "The merger remains an "uncertain prospect" due to regulatory hurdles."

What phrases are similar to "uncertain prospect"?

Alternatives to "uncertain prospect" include "dubious outlook", "questionable future", and "tenuous possibility".

Is it better to use "uncertain prospect" or "uncertainty"?

"Uncertain prospect" refers to a specific event or possibility with an unknown outcome, while "uncertainty" is a more general term for a state of not knowing. The best choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "uncertain prospect" and "doubtful prospect"?

"Doubtful prospect" implies a stronger sense of disbelief or pessimism about the likelihood of something happening compared to "uncertain prospect", which simply indicates a lack of certainty.