Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Full of promise; likely to succeed or to yield good results: Describing something or someone that shows signs of future success or excellence.
   • Showing potential for favorable development: Indicating a strong likelihood of positive outcomes or achievement.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • She is a promising young scientist with several innovative ideas.
  • The early test results are very promising and suggest the new drug could be effective.
  • He had a promising start to his career in law.

Advanced Usage

• "to look/seem promising": to appear likely to be successful or good.
  • The initial data from the experiment looks promising.
• "a promising sign": an indication that suggests a positive future outcome.
  • The ceasefire is a promising sign for peace negotiations.

Variants and Related Words

• Promise (noun/verb): The basis for something being promising; a declaration or assurance of a future outcome.
  • His talent shows great promise. (noun)
  • The company promises to deliver high-quality products. (verb)
• Promisingly (adverb): In a manner that shows promise.
  • The project began promisingly but soon encountered difficulties.

Synonyms

• Hopeful: Inspiring hope or expectation of success.
• Encouraging: Giving someone support, confidence, or hope; positive.
• Auspicious: Conducive to success; favorable.
• Bright: Likely to be successful and happy.

Antonyms

• Unpromising: Not likely to succeed or be good.
• Hopeless: Having no expectation of good or success.
• Bleak: Not hopeful or encouraging; unlikely to have a favorable outcome.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Show promise": To demonstrate potential for future success.
  • The young athlete shows great promise in her field.
• "Hold promise": To offer the possibility of a good result.
  • This new technology holds promise for solving the energy crisis.

Adjective

1. full or promise
   • had a bright future in publishing
   • the scandal threatened an abrupt end to a promising political career
   • a hopeful new singer on Broadway
2. showing possibility of achievement or excellence
   • a promising young man