fighting chance

noun

: a chance that may be realized by a struggle
the patient had a fighting chance to live

Examples of fighting chance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What happened next gave Clover a fighting chance at survival. — Ronnie Li, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026 That will give high pressure a fighting chance to build in and quiet our weather pattern late in the week. — Rachael Jay, CBS News, 24 May 2026 Some gardeners like to use mulch with herbicide mixed in to further ensure weeds don’t have a fighting chance of sprouting. — Felicia Feaster, Martha Stewart, 30 May 2026 Energy production is one way to give blue-collar towns a fighting chance at economic revitalization. — Jason Altmire, Washington Post, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fighting chance

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fighting chance was in 1889

Rhymes for fighting chance

See All Rhymes for fighting chance

Browse Nearby Words

fighting chair
fighting chance
fighting cock
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fighting chance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fighting%20chance. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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