promising
- 1Likely to do well or succeed in the future.
Like a seed that is already starting to grow.
The young athlete had a promising future ahead of her.
Her test results looked promising after weeks of study.
Similarencouraging, auspicious, hopeful, bright, favorable
Oppositeunpromising, inauspicious, discouraging, bleak
Note
- 2Giving people hope and making them feel sure things will go well.
Like a sunny morning that makes you feel good about the day.
The doctor gave us a promising update about Grandpa's recovery.
Sales were slow at first, but the latest numbers look promising.
Similarencouraging, hopeful, reassuring, heartening, positive
Oppositediscouraging, disheartening, gloomy, bleak
- 3Present participle of promise. Use this -ing form when the action of giving your word is happening now.
She is promising to call back later this afternoon.
They kept promising to fix the leak but never actually did.
Note
- 4The act of telling someone you will surely do something.
Like giving your word again and again.
His constant promising made it hard for anyone to trust him.
The promising of rewards kept the children quiet for a while.
Similarpledging
Note
Showing meanings only.
promising is a form of promise
promise, verb: To tell someone you will surely do something. Full entry
- Spelling
- promise → promising: drop the e, add -ing
Practice
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