improbable

[ im-prob-uh-buhl ]

adjective

1. not probable; unlikely to be true or to happen:

   Rain is improbable tonight.

   Synonyms: implausible, doubtful, questionable

improbable

/ ɪmˈprɒbəbəl /

adjective

1. not likely or probable; doubtful; unlikely

Derived Forms

• imˈprobably, adverb
• imˌprobaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• im·proba·bly adverb
• im·proba·ble·ness noun
• super·im·proba·ble adjective
• super·im·proba·ble·ness noun
• super·im·proba·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of improbable¹

From the Latin word improbābilis, dating back to 1590–1600. See im- ², probable

Example Sentences

My labels are demisexual and sapiosexual, or some combination of the two, which makes being attracted to someone when there is no intellectual or emotional spark improbable, if not impossible.

From Los Angeles Times

The premise seems improbable, yet the series is based on a 2020 Chilean documentary feature titled “The Mole Agent,” which tells just such a tale.

From Los Angeles Times

Once the Trump team won what was seen as an improbable victory, they decided on an unconventional approach and fired Christie.

From BBC

But he more than made up for it with the bat as his unbeaten 124 from 85 balls guided England to an improbable win.

From BBC

Margaret has said that she almost shelved that book a couple of times because she just thought it was too improbable and was a premise that that we wouldn’t buy.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fanciful
• implausible
• rare
• unbelievable
• unlikely