English Reference
adjective · verb · noun

promising

adj. · v. · n.
US /ˈpɹɑməsɪŋ/ UK /pɹˈɒmɪsɪŋ/ promis·ing

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    adj.showing signs that something will be successful or very good in the future.

    adj.indicating a high probability of future success or positive development.

    Simple

    The young tennis player had a very promising start to her career.

    In context

    Initial results from the clinical trial are promising, suggesting that the new treatment may be significantly more effective than existing options.

    unpromisinghopelessbleak
  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    v.the action of telling someone you will definitely do something.

    v.the present participle of 'promise', used in continuous tenses to indicate the act of giving an assurance.

    Simple

    He is promising to finish the work by tomorrow morning.

    In context

    The politician spent the afternoon promising major infrastructure improvements to the local residents in exchange for their support.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    n.the act of making a promise to someone.

    n.the gerund form representing the act of making a solemn or formal declaration.

    Simple

    The promising of gifts is a common tradition during the festival.

    In context

    The mere promising of reform was no longer enough to satisfy the protesters, who demanded immediate legislative action.

Usage promising results · appreciation promising

I see underwater data centers as a promising new approach for supporting the growth of AI.

The Conversation· 17 Aug 2026

That buried sea has made Jupiter's icy moon one of the most promising places in the solar system to investigate whether conditions suitable for life might exist beyond Earth.

ScienceDaily· 29 Jul 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated