Translation guide
Describes a situation, start, prospect, or person that does not look likely to succeed or turn out well.
The speaker assesses that the outlook is not good, often based on current signs or initial impressions.
Literally 'there is no prospect/hope'. A direct and common way to say something is unpromising, especially for plans, recovery, or success.
この計画は見込みがない。
This plan is unpromising.
His recovery seems unpromising.
Means 'dark' and is often used figuratively for a gloomy, unpromising outlook. Common in phrases like 先行きが暗い (the future looks dark).
先行きが暗い。
The future looks unpromising.
景気の見通しは暗い。
The economic outlook is unpromising.
Means 'severe' or 'tough'. Used when a situation is harsh and success is unlikely, e.g., 厳しい状況 (a tough/unpromising situation).
状況は厳しい。
The situation is unpromising.
合格は厳しいと思う。
I think passing is unpromising.
Literally 'hope is thin'. A slightly more literary way to say prospects are slim.
成功の望みは薄い。
The chances of success are unpromising.
A formal, somewhat stiff negative form of 芳しい (favorable). Used in news or reports to say results or prospects are not good.
業績は芳しくない。
The business performance is unpromising.
The speaker judges that someone lacks talent, motivation, or the right qualities to achieve something.
Attributive form of 見込みがない, used directly before a noun like 選手 (player) or 候補 (candidate).
彼は見込みのない選手だ。
He is an unpromising player.
Means 'cannot be expected (to do well)'. A straightforward way to say someone is unpromising.
あの新人はあまり期待できない。
That new employee is rather unpromising.
A casual, idiomatic phrase meaning 'unimpressive' or 'lackluster'. Often used for people who don't stand out or show promise.
彼はぱっとしない学生だった。
He was an unpromising student.
Literally 'has no future potential'. A blunt assessment, often used in talent evaluation.
彼には将来性がない。
He is unpromising (has no future potential).
The initial stage of something looks bad, suggesting the whole endeavor may fail.
Means 'a bad start'. Commonly used for projects, games, or performances.
試合は出だしが悪かった。
The game had an unpromising start.
Similar to 出だしが悪い, but often used for the initial phase of a plan, business, or new endeavor.
新事業は滑り出しが悪い。
The new business is off to an unpromising start.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'I dread to think what the future holds'. Implies the current state is so bad that the future looks unpromising.
このミスでは先が思いやられる。
With this mistake, the future looks unpromising.
There is no single Japanese adjective that perfectly matches 'unpromising' in all contexts. Using 見込みがない or 暗い is usually more natural than trying to coin a direct equivalent.