unpromising
Meaning
Not likely to be successful or to turn out well; showing little sign of future success or good results.
Structure
Usage
The initial data from the clinical trials looked unpromising.
He started his business in the unpromising environment of an economic recession.
Despite the unpromising weather forecast, they decided to proceed with the outdoor event.
Etymology
The word "unpromising" is a modern English formation built upon the well-established verb "promise." The Latin root promittere, meaning "to send forth," evolved to signify a declaration assuring a future result, thus generating hope. By adding the negative prefix "un-" of Old English origin, the word directly negates this hopeful expectation. The adjectival suffix "-ing" then transforms the verb phrase into a stable descriptive term, creating a logical and transparent compound meaning "not giving hope of success."
Analysis
- un: A prefix of Germanic origin (Old English un-), meaning "not." It is used to form negative adjectives. - promis(e): The core word "promise," from Latin promissum ("a promise," literally "something sent forth"), from promittere ("to send forth, foretell, promise"). In this context, it carries the sense of "giving hope or expectation of a favorable outcome." - ing: A suffix of Germanic origin (Old English -ende, -ing), used to form present participles and adjectives from verbs, indicating a quality or state.