long shot

noun

ˈlȯŋ-ˌshät 

1

: a venture involving great risk but promising a great reward if successful

also : a venture unlikely to succeed

2

: an entry (as in a horse race) given little chance of winning

3

: a bet in which the chances of winning are slight but the possible winnings great

Phrases

by a long shot

: by a great deal

Examples of long shot in a Sentence

I hope to double my profits, but I know that's a long shot.

The horse was a long shot, but we bet on him anyway.

She always bets on long shots at the racetrack.

Recent Examples on the Web

He is still considered a long shot to get the Bears job. —Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025

The reality of it all is here: The Rangers are still a long shot to make the playoffs, even with Miller in the middle. —Arthur Staple, The Athletic, 2 Feb. 2025

Alex Bregman going to the Cubs is simply a long shot now. —Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025

And those who are, including former Bernie Sanders campaign chief Faiz Shakir and former presidential candidate Marianne Williamson, are considered long shots at best. —Steve Peoples, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

long shot

noun

ˈlȯŋ-ˌshät 

1

: a great risk that promises a great reward if successful

2

: an entry (as in a horse race) given little chance of winning