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

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

Memorable moment: “In a year that has been so improbable... the impossible has happened!”

From Los Angeles Times

“Sinatra brilliantly offered the jolt of emotional solidarity in performance whereas Carson specialized in dangling forth an emotional distraction … prompting improbable laughs at times when you thought you would never laugh again.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fanciful
• implausible
• rare
• unbelievable
• unlikely