unlikely prospect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unlikely prospect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or outcome that is not expected to happen or is considered improbable. Example: "While we have made some progress, the chances of securing funding for the project remain an unlikely prospect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That seems an unlikely prospect.

The Guardian - Sport

It is indeed a highly unlikely prospect.

The New York Times - Sports

Similarly, a binding code of ethics seems an unlikely prospect.

The Economist

The Atlantic Wire, citing ABC news, says he's not being vetted, so he's an unlikely prospect.

The New York Times

To do so, he would need the support of the Kurds in Parliament, an unlikely prospect.

The New York Times

It was an unlikely prospect, especially when the kitchen remained so stubbornly incomprehensible.

The New Yorker

Given the dire straits of most European armed forces, this is an unlikely prospect.

The Guardian

This would require a constitutional amendment, an unlikely prospect, experts agree.

The New York Times

This means for most students, tying the knot while still at university is an unlikely prospect.

The Guardian

The exercises were intended to deter Baghdad from attacking Kuwait again, an unlikely prospect.

The New York Times

As a young man, Wilberforce was an unlikely prospect for fame as a Christian reformer.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unlikely prospect" when you want to express that an event or outcome is improbable but not entirely impossible. It's suitable for situations where there's a small chance, but it's wise not to rely on it.

Common error

Avoid using "unlikely prospect" when you mean something is completely impossible. The phrase implies a small degree of possibility, so use stronger language like "impossible" or "out of the question" if there's no chance at all.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unlikely prospect" functions as a noun phrase, where "unlikely" modifies the noun "prospect". It describes a situation or outcome that is not expected to occur. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples from news articles and other sources, demonstrating its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unlikely prospect" is a frequently used phrase that describes a situation or outcome with a low probability of occurring. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly found in neutral contexts, especially within news and media. While alternatives like "slim chance" or "remote possibility" exist, understanding the subtle differences in meaning is crucial for effective communication. Avoid using the phrase when you mean something is outright impossible; instead, reserve it for situations where a small chance still exists.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slim chance

Emphasizes the small possibility of something happening.

remote possibility

Highlights that the possibility is distant and not very likely.

doubtful outcome

Focuses on the uncertainty and low probability of a positive result.

improbable scenario

Suggests the situation is not likely to occur.

questionable expectation

Indicates skepticism about whether something will happen.

dubious anticipation

Implies uncertainty and a lack of confidence in a future event.

not a prayer

Informal expression indicating no chance of success.

outside chance

Suggests there is a chance, but it's very minimal.

long shot

Indicates a very low probability of success, often used in sports or gambling contexts.

pipe dream

Suggests an unrealistic hope or plan that is unlikely to be realized.

FAQs

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

You can use "unlikely prospect" to describe a situation that is not expected to happen. For instance, "Despite their efforts, success remains an "unlikely prospect"".

What are some alternatives to "unlikely prospect"?

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

Is "unlikely prospect" formal or informal?

"Unlikely prospect" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal and can be used in both professional and casual contexts. The formality depends on the surrounding language.

What's the difference between "unlikely prospect" and "impossible"?

"Unlikely prospect" suggests something is improbable but still possible, while "impossible" means something cannot happen under any circumstances. "Unlikely prospect" implies a low probability, whereas impossible means zero probability.