unlikely

[ uhn-lahyk-lee ]

adjective

, un·like·li·er, un·like·li·est.

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.

adverb

1. in an unlikely way.

unlikely

/ ʌnˈlaɪklɪ /

adjective

1. not likely; improbable

Derived Forms

• unˈlikeliness, noun

Other Words From

• un·likeli·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unlikely¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

see in the unlikely event .

Example Sentences

That is impossible to imagine, even in the unlikely event City's losing streak continues.

From BBC

It’s unlikely that Trump would undo any forgiveness that has already been successfully processed, she said.

From Salon

He quickly found adverts on TikTok offering a similar service to the men from Caerphilly, but they were unlikely to talk openly about illegal activity.

From BBC

The approach represents a paradigm shift, with an emphasis on managing cancer as a chronic condition rather than seeking complete eradication in cases where curing the disease is unlikely.

From Science Daily

He says beneficiaries are unlikely to have the cash needed to pay HMRC, even with 10 years of installments.

From BBC

Related Words

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