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unpromising

unpromising

3 4.5
Not likely to succeed or be enjoyable
  • adjective
  • /ʌnˈprɑːmɪsɪŋ/
translation icon : poco prometedor
  • Despite its unpromising start, the movie received great reviews and developed a loyal following.
  • seem unpromising

Examples

  • The job application looked unpromising, with many spelling errors and a lack of relevant experience.

  • Unfortunately, I insisted on writing poems that made sense, which located me squarely in the midst of masses of unpromising students.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • What a cold and unpromising beginning!

    Academic text (1994)
  • My own fault for choosing such unpromising material.

  • On first hearing, it's an unpromising piece... but it draws me back.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • Why resume peace negotiations in this unpromising environment?

    Academic text (2008)
  • However, while ethnic businesses function to support migrants, they could trap the second generation in unpromising businesses.

    Academic text (2018)
  • Certainly, Giroux is to be congratulated for pulling together an impressive résumé starting from the unpromising background he describes.

    Academic text (2001)
  • In spite of this unpromising beginning, Nicaraguan civil-military relations changed dramatically during the Chamorro administration (1990-1997).

    Academic text (2003)
  • Investing in that unpromising startup proved to be a mistake, as it never gained traction in the market.

Antonyms

203 3.1

Showing signs of future success

How Promising

hopeful
46 1.0
promising
203 3.1
doubtful
38 3.0
unpromising
3 4.5
hopeless
133 2.7

Surface Forms

unpromising positive
unpromisinger comparative
unpromisingest superlative

Morphology

unpromising = promising (transparent) = un + promise + ing

The adjective 'promising' (promise + -ing) is negated by the productive prefix 'un-', giving a clear meaning 'not promising'.

Etymology

Unpromising puts un- ('not') before promise, where promise means 'a sign that something will turn out well', so unpromising describes something that gives 'no sign' of success.