Although some analysts said the settlement had not hurt Merrill's prospects, its stock rose just 47 cents, or about 1 percent, yesterday to $43.85.

But the lack of a compromise on the insurance issue could hurt the bill's long-term prospects for passage.

His 12- to 14-hour work days didn't hurt his prospects, either.

His racing and trials work seem not to have hurt his professional prospects.

Still, being short does, on average, hurt a person's prospects.

If the Republicans were to vote down a jobs bill, however, it would hurt not only the economy but also, potentially, their own prospects.

Several key penalties and mental errors hurt the Buccaneers' prospects of winning.

Not being national champion seriously hurt Fine's prospects for making a career from chess.

The governor lobbied strongly for the medical marijuana bill, which he said could hurt his presidential prospects but was "the right thing to do."

Ensuing price declines for communications services have hurt these companies' prospects.