unlikely

American  

[uhn-lahyk-lee] / ʌnˈlaɪk li /

adjective

unlikelier, unlikeliest

1. not likely to be or occur; improbable; marked by doubt.

2. holding little prospect of success; unpromising; likely to fail.

   He is an unlikely candidate for reelection.

3. not ingratiating; objectionable.

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adverb

1. in an unlikely way.

unlikely British  

/ ʌnˈlaɪklɪ /

adjective

1. not likely; improbable

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unlikely Idioms  

1. see in the unlikely event.

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Other Word Forms

• unlikeliness noun

Etymology

Origin of unlikely

First recorded in 1325–75, unlikely is from the Middle English word unlikli. See un- ¹, likely

Example Sentences

But a sentiment shift, however unlikely, could be quick.

From The Wall Street Journal

All of this makes it President Xi an unlikely spokesperson for a global rules-based order.

From BBC

If central bankers think that the rise in energy prices is unlikely to result in what are known as “second round effects,” they can leave borrowing costs unchanged.

From The Wall Street Journal

The company said it was unlikely to be able to make its required rate of return on investment in new land acquisitions due to rising tax and regulatory burdens on residential developments.

From The Wall Street Journal

Two old flames are rekindled in an unlikely romantic encounter.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• absurd
• implausible
• improbable
• inconceivable
• incredible
• rare
• remote
• strange
• unbelievable