promising

adjective

prom·​is·​ing ˈprä-mə-siŋ 

: full of promise : likely to succeed or to yield good results

a promising new medicine

promisingly adverb

Synonyms of promising

• bright
• optimistic
• hopeful
• encouraging
• likely

Examples of promising in a Sentence

The neighborhood didn't look very promising.

a promising writer who just may write the great American novel someday

Recent Examples on the Web

The 2027 Colorado test will ultimately show whether the company’s gravity-sensing approach can move from a promising technology to a practical tool for mineral exploration. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026

Among the most promising is Lizzie (Faye Marsay), though Coach Beard doesn’t clock her as such immediately. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026

Despite the Democratic candidate’s promising figures, el Sayed and Rogers are viewed more negatively than positively by most respondents. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 19 Aug. 2026

One promising approach is to align AI deployment with local economic development strategies. — Robert E. Williams, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for promising

• unpromising

Kids Definition

promising

adjective

prom·​is·​ing

ˈpräm-ə-siŋ

: likely to turn out well

a promising student

promisingly

-siŋ-lē

adverb