unpromising

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unpromising" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that does not seem likely to succeed or show potential. Example: "The initial results of the project were unpromising, leading the team to reconsider their approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All these changes require a new constitutional order, making it vital that Arab countries get their constitutions right.The record so far looks unpromising.

The Economist

However, the long-term prospects for growth in chip-making look unpromising.

The Economist

For them the near-term future looks unpromising.

The Economist

When Jade Goody, a 27-year-old Briton who travelled from unpromising origins to stardom via reality television, found out earlier this year that her ovarian cancer was terminal, she sold the spectacle of her final days to the highest bidder, for her sons' sake.

The Economist

But attempts to improve the police have been unpromising.

The Economist

The reason is that this child of the state has become a most unusual company: a group of three well-known brands which specialises in dealing with customers, and is extending sideways into a whole range of services that people need to run their lives smoothly.Customer-centricCentrica's inheritance looked unpromising.

The Economist

A couple of wells in Hungary have been abandoned as unpromising.

The Economist

The Syrian leader has agreed among other things to undertake a ceasefire, to remove his army and its heavy weapons from Syria's towns, to let in several hundred UN observers along with foreign correspondents, to free political prisoners and to set about negotiating with his opponents.The plan deserves a chance if only because the alternatives of military action and inaction are so unpromising.

The Economist

How can Europe aspire to be a global force, if it cowers behind protectionist trade walls?Unfortunately, while the logic may be clear, the political climate is distinctly unpromising.

The Economist

It was the development of technologies such as advanced seismic imaging that encouraged firms to venture into such inhospitable (and, once, unpromising) terrain.

The Economist

Moreover, the trend in corporate profits is distinctly unpromising.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unpromising", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "bleak", "inauspicious", or "doubtful" might be more fitting depending on the context. Choose the word that best captures the lack of potential or the unfavorable outlook you're describing.

Common error

While "unpromising" is generally acceptable, overuse in highly formal or academic writing can make your prose sound less sophisticated. Consider using more precise or nuanced alternatives like "precarious" or "tenuous" to enhance the impact and clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unpromising" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that does not show signs of future success or positive development. As seen in Ludwig, it is commonly used to qualify prospects, situations, and beginnings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "unpromising" is a grammatically sound adjective used to describe something lacking in future potential or positive outlook. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While versatile, consider synonyms like "bleak" or "inauspicious" for nuanced expressions. To enhance your writing, avoid overuse in formal contexts and be mindful of the specific nuance you wish to convey. As the term is very common, it's easy to find plenty of examples of it in use and also be confident in including it as a natural sounding phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unlikely to succeed

Directly states a low probability of achieving success.

discouraging

Tends to diminish hope or enthusiasm.

inauspicious

Implies an unfavorable start or a bad omen.

unfavorable

Indicates a lack of positive conditions or circumstances.

bleak

Suggests a depressing or discouraging outlook.

doubtful

Expresses uncertainty or skepticism about a positive outcome.

pessimistic

Reflects a belief that things will turn out badly.

dim

Indicates a lack of brightness or clarity in the future prospects.

hopeless

Suggests there is no possibility of improvement or success.

poor

Describes a situation or prospect that is deficient or inadequate.

FAQs

How can I use "unpromising" in a sentence?

You can use "unpromising" to describe situations, prospects, or starts that do not seem likely to succeed or show potential. For example, "The initial results were unpromising" or "The venture had an unpromising start".

What's the difference between "unpromising" and "discouraging"?

"Unpromising" suggests a lack of initial potential, while "discouraging" implies that something diminishes hope or enthusiasm. Something "discouraging" makes you lose heart, whereas something "unpromising" doesn't necessarily do that, it simply lacks apparent future prospects.

What are some alternatives to "unpromising"?

Alternatives include "bleak", "inauspicious", "doubtful", or "unfavorable", depending on the specific context. Each carries slightly different connotations relating to a lack of positive prospects.

When is it best to use "unpromising" over other similar words?

Use "unpromising" when you want to emphasize the lack of potential or the unfavorable nature of something's initial state or outlook. It is particularly useful when describing situations that have not yet developed fully but appear unlikely to improve.