B2adjective10K+

Promising

UK /["/ˈprɒmɪsɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈprɑːmɪsɪŋ/"]/

Definition

showing signs of being good or successful

In simple words: Showing signs of being good or successful in the future.

Examples

  • He was voted the most promising new actor for his part in the movie.
  • The weather doesn't look very promising.
  • The research produced promising results.
  • The outlook is hardly promising.
  • At that time, I had a promising career in TV.
  • She was a young woman with a promising future.
  • The results of our earlier enquiries have been promising.

Usage notes

Use 'promising' to describe something that has potential, particularly in business or personal development. It's not appropriate for things that are guaranteed to succeed.

Grammar pattern

promising + adjective/noun

Memory hint

Think of 'promise' and 'sing' — a singer who shows promise will be successful.

Collocations

  • be
  • look
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very

Synonyms

  • hopeful
  • encouraging
  • prominent
  • likely
  • auspicious

Antonyms

  • disappointing
  • unpromising

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'promise' - 'promising' describes potential, while 'promise' is a commitment.
  • Using 'promising' for things that are not likely to succeed.
  • Mixing up the forms; saying 'promise' instead of 'promising' when describing potential.