Meaning & Definition of word "Unpromising"

Unpromising

/ʌnˈprɒmɪsɪŋ/

adjective:

  • 1. not likely to be successful or favorable; lacking potential
    • Example: The job market appears unpromising for new graduates this year.
  • 2. not encouraging or giving reason to hope
    • Example: Despite his efforts, the reviews of the film were unpromising.
  • 3. having little chance of positive outcomes or results
    • Example: The weather forecast for the weekend looks unpromising, with rain predicted.
  • 4. indicating a lack of prospects or potential
    • Example: She found the project's budget proposal to be unpromising and decided to withdraw her support.

Etymology

Derived from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not', and 'promising', from 'promise'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

a missing opportunity:

A situation where potential benefits are not realized, typically due to unfavorable conditions.

a dead end:

A situation where there is no hope for progress, often associated with unpromising circumstances.

Related Words

promise:

A declaration or assurance that one will do something or that a particular thing will happen.

promising:

Showing signs of future success or potential.

Slang Meanings of unpromising

Meaning: A lost cause

Example Sentence: Trying to fix that old car is a total lost cause; it's completely unpromising.

Meaning: A long shot

Example Sentence: Investing in that startup feels like a long shot; it seems unpromising.