A long shot Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Slim Hope Describes a very slim chance of success but still possible. Getting into Harvard is a long shot for most people. Pro Tip 2/3Optimistic Effort Used when someone tries something with hope despite odds. He sent his novel to the publisher, but it's a long shot. Pro Tip 3/3Not Expected Expresses that an outcome is hoped for but not anticipated. Winning a lottery is a long shot, yet she plays every week.