promising

adjective

prom·​is·​ing ˈprä-mə-siŋ How to pronounce promising (audio)
: full of promise : likely to succeed or to yield good results
a promising new medicine
promisingly adverb

Examples of promising in a Sentence

The neighborhood didn't look very promising. a promising writer who just may write the great American novel someday
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Among these, covalent organic polymers (COPs) have emerged as a promising solution. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2025 Against Benfica, his movement off the ball and passing were more promising — but his dribbling falls well below Palmer’s standard and, as with Fernandez, his attacking actions lack the same boldness. Cerys Jones, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2025 Rookie guard Dylan Harper, the second overall pick, and 2024 Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle form a promising core that has San Antonio’s rebuild ahead of schedule. Evan Dammarell, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 Health journalist Tara Haelle delves into promising options, including beta cell transplants that would eliminate the need for immunosuppressive drugs. Jeanna Bryner, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for promising

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of promising was in 1594

Cite this Entry

“Promising.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/promising. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

promising

adjective
prom·​is·​ing
ˈpräm-ə-siŋ
: likely to turn out well
a promising student
promisingly
-siŋ-lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on promising

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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