Definitions

long shot

[lawng shot, long] / ˈlɔŋ ˌʃɒt, ˈlɒŋ /

NOUN

unlikely winner

Synonyms

STRONGEST

fluke

WEAK

chance hit hundred-to-one shot little chance long odds lucky shot no chance off-chance one in a million outside chance poor bed slim chance small chance

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Congressional Democratic support of legislation that would undercut Democratic governors and attorneys general is a long shot, in our view,” wrote Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner in a research note this week.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

That could allow its current investors to start cashing out even if the refinery never gets built — a milestone many energy industry insiders still view as a long shot.

From Salon • Jun. 11, 2026

I’m no Nobu regular and rarely cook, so I was the class newbie by a long shot.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

How long of a financial leash should parents extend to their children to pursue a long shot?

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

Each time they came upon a tantalizing long shot, one of them set to work on making the case for it, in an elaborate presentation, complete with PowerPoint slides.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

long shot

Example Sentences

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