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Synonyms

unlikelihood

American  
[uhn-lahyk-lee-hood] / ʌnˈlaɪk liˌhʊd /

noun

  1. the state of being unlikely; improbability.

Etymology

Origin of unlikelihood

First recorded in 1475–85; unlikely + -hood

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But if unlikelihood breaks a certain way, it leaves Cruz with a path to his lifelong goal.

From Slate • Sep. 27, 2025

Glenn Whipp bemoans the unlikelihood of Daniel Craig earning an acting nod as sly sleuth Benoit Blanc.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 23, 2025

The unlikelihood of him being available to play in the NHL until 2026 could represent a red flag for some teams.

From Washington Times • Jun. 26, 2023

Their initial wariness at this unlikelihood soon turns to joy when they discover the town is inhabited by loved ones who'd died on Earth.

From Salon • Jun. 17, 2023

"He could be out there," I once said to my father, my voice trailing off as the unlikelihood of this sank in.

From "The Boy on the Wooden Box" by Leon Leyson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.