Promising: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when describing someone or something that shows signs of future success or potential.

• She is a promising young scientist
• The team's performance is promising for the upcoming season

Refers to a feeling of optimism or a person who has a positive outlook about future outcomes.

• She remains hopeful despite the challenges
• The team's fans were hopeful for a victory

Describes actions, words, or situations that give support, confidence, or hope, often in the context of improvement or progress.

• The teacher's feedback was very encouraging
• The latest economic data is encouraging for small businesses

Describes someone who is expected to be something in the future or something that is expected to happen.

• They met with prospective clients
• She is a prospective candidate for the position

Refers to qualities or abilities that may develop and lead to future success or usefulness.

• He has great potential as a musician
• The new technology has the potential to revolutionize the industry

Use when describing someone or something that seems likely to be successful or achieve good results soon.

• The young artist has shown very promising talent in her paintings.
• The company's new product line is very promising and may revolutionize the market.

Use to describe something or someone that shows the ability to develop into something successful or valuable.

• The new employee is showing potential in project management.
• The recently released book is showing potential to become a bestseller.

Use in more formal or analytical situations to describe someone or something that shows signs of future success.

• The early results of the clinical trial are indicating promise for the new drug.
• The prototype is indicating promise in its ability to solve the problem.

Use when someone continues to believe that something good will happen, even if it seems unlikely.

• Despite the difficulties, the team is still holding out hope for a victory.
• She was holding out hope that her friend would recover from the illness.