long shot
noun
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
see also:
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
Although a long shot, some fans believe that Stevens' comments about not returning to college basketball are just bluffs.
—
Tyler Erzberger, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Two goals against in short succession turned a manageable situation into a long shot.
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Of two dozen long shots, this one made something move.
—George Packer, The Atlantic, 24 Mar. 2026
Since Bryce Young will be getting his fifth-year option picked up, selecting a quarterback would be a long shot.
—Mike Kaye
march 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for long shot
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.
Tyler Erzberger, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Two goals against in short succession turned a manageable situation into a long shot.
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Of two dozen long shots, this one made something move.
—George Packer, The Atlantic, 24 Mar. 2026
Since Bryce Young will be getting his fifth-year option picked up, selecting a quarterback would be a long shot.
—Mike Kaye
march 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for long shot
Cite this Entry
“Long shot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/long%20shot. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
long shot
noun1
: a great risk that promises a great reward if successful
2
: an entry (as in a horse race) given little chance of winning
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
