Definition

Noun: A reasonable probability of success; a fair chance or opportunity for something to happen, especially in a contest or risky situation. The term implies that while success is not guaranteed, the odds are not overwhelmingly against it.

Usage

The phrase "sporting chance" is used to describe a situation where there is a fair and decent likelihood of a positive outcome. It often carries a connotation of fairness and opportunity within a competitive context.

Examples

• He has a sporting chance of winning the election if he can secure the undecided voters.
• With a bit more funding, our startup has a sporting chance of surviving its first year.
• The underdog team was given a sporting chance after the star player on the opposing team was injured.

Advanced Usage

• To have/stand a sporting chance: This is the most common construction.
  • With this new evidence, we stand a sporting chance of winning the appeal.
• To give someone/something a sporting chance: To create conditions that allow for a reasonable probability of success.
  • The simplified rules were introduced to give newcomers a sporting chance.

Variants and Related Words

• Chance (n): A possibility of something happening.
• Probability (n): The extent to which something is likely to happen.
• Odds (n): The ratio of the probability of an event happening to the probability of it not happening.

Synonyms

• Fair chance
• Reasonable prospect
• Fighting chance (implies a chance achieved through struggle)
• Even chance (implies a 50% probability)

Antonyms

• No chance
• Slim chance
• Long shot (implies a very low probability)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• A fighting chance: Similar to "sporting chance," but often emphasizes that success will require a struggle or great effort.
  • The treatment gave the patient a fighting chance at recovery.
• On the off chance: Refers to doing something because of a slight possibility.
  • I called his old office on the off chance he still worked there.

Noun

1. a reasonable probability of success