sporting chance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Informal to Neutral. Common in spoken English, journalism, and descriptive writing.
Quick answer
What does “sporting chance” mean?
a reasonable chance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a reasonable chance; a fair or decent probability of success, often implying the uncertainty is part of the appeal or fairness of the situation.
A likelihood of success that is not guaranteed but is considered fair or worth attempting, often carrying connotations of fair play, risk, and the spirit of competition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common and idiomatic in British English, but perfectly understood and used in American English. The 'sporting' element may resonate more strongly in British culture with its historical associations with amateur sport and fair play.
Connotations
In both varieties, it evokes fairness and a level playing field. In BrE, it can have a slightly more traditional or genteel nuance. In AmE, it might be perceived as a slightly more colourful or idiomatic alternative to 'a reasonable chance'.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in BrE; lower frequency but still current in AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “sporting chance” in a Sentence
[Subject] has/stands a sporting chance of [verb+ing] / [noun].[Agent] gives [recipient] a sporting chance.There is a sporting chance that [clause].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sporting chance” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new regulations at least give small suppliers a sporting chance.
- Do you reckon he stands a sporting chance of being selected?
American English
- The rule change gives our team a sporting chance to compete.
- I'd say she has a sporting chance of getting the promotion.
adverb
British English
- (No direct adverbial form from this phrase.)
American English
- (No direct adverbial form from this phrase.)
adjective
British English
- It was a sporting chance offer, but the odds were still against them.
- (Note: 'sporting chance' itself functions as a noun phrase; 'sporting' is not used attributively separately in this sense.)
American English
- He made a sporting-chance proposal to split the duties. (Hyphenated compound adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used when assessing risky ventures or competitive bids: 'If we reduce our overheads, we might have a sporting chance of winning the contract.'
Academic
Rare in formal academic prose; may appear in discussions of probability, game theory, or historical narratives.
Everyday
Common in conversation about possibilities: 'If we leave now, we've got a sporting chance of catching the train.'
Technical
Not typically used in technical/scientific contexts where precise probabilities are required.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sporting chance”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sporting chance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sporting chance”
- Using 'sport chance' (missing 'ing').
- Using it with a definite article ('the sporting chance') instead of 'a'.
- Using it to describe a high probability (>80%); it implies a modest, uncertain probability.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily 50%. It means a credible, non-negligible chance where the outcome is uncertain but the attempt is fair and worthwhile. It could be 30%, 40%, or 50%.
Typically used for desired or positive outcomes (success, winning, recovery). You wouldn't say 'a sporting chance of failing'.
They are very close synonyms. 'A fighting chance' may imply a slightly more difficult struggle against greater odds, while 'a sporting chance' emphasises the fairness of the conditions.
It is neutral to informal. It is acceptable in most written and spoken contexts except for the most formal technical or legal documents.
a reasonable chance.
Sporting chance: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspɔːtɪŋ tʃɑːns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspɔːrtɪŋ tʃæns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be in with a sporting chance”
- “to not have a sporting chance”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a **sporting** event where the underdog is given a **chance** to win because the rules are fair.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A SPORT / PROBABILITY IS FAIR PLAY
Practice
Quiz
What is the core implication of having a 'sporting chance'?