long shot

noun

ˈlȯŋ-ˌshät 

1

: a venture involving great risk but promising a great reward if successful

also : a venture unlikely to succeed

2

: an entry (as in a horse race) given little chance of winning

3

: a bet in which the chances of winning are slight but the possible winnings great

Phrases

by a long shot

: by a great deal

Examples of long shot in a Sentence

I hope to double my profits, but I know that's a long shot.

The horse was a long shot, but we bet on him anyway.

She always bets on long shots at the racetrack.

Recent Examples on the Web

Over the course of eight months, the democratic socialist and backbench state assemblyman went from local long shot to likely mayor of America’s biggest city. —Mark Chiusano, Time, 14 Aug. 2025

To be blunt, Perplexity’s offer for Chrome is a long shot. —Dave Smith, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2025

Legal experts told Newsweek that the case is a long shot, however. —Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025

Here are some of the best European cities for vintage shopping according to the survey: London London has the most vintage stores in Europe—by a long shot. —Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for long shot

• allot
• barat
• begot
• besought
• bethought
• bloodshot
• boycott
• buckshot
• crackpot
• croat
• culottes
• dashpot

Kids Definition

long shot

noun

ˈlȯŋ-ˌshät 

1

: a great risk that promises a great reward if successful

2

: an entry (as in a horse race) given little chance of winning