unlikely
Americanadjective
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not likely to be or occur; improbable; marked by doubt.
-
holding little prospect of success; unpromising; likely to fail.
He is an unlikely candidate for reelection.
-
not ingratiating; objectionable.
adverb
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of unlikely
First recorded in 1325–75, unlikely is from the Middle English word unlikli. See un- 1, likely
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.
Sanofi said it would stop a late-stage study of an experimental treatment for a rare immune disorder after concluding the drug was unlikely to deliver sufficient efficacy.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026
Billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer is in third place in the current ballot tally, and the odds of him overtaking Hilton appear increasingly unlikely.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
“The inclusion to the DoD list is unlikely to translate into revenue or earnings impact,” Citi analyst Alicia Yap said in a research note.
From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026
Detrick said higher inflation makes additional rate cuts from the Fed unlikely, but also points to a U.S. economy that’s turning a corner and improving.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026
This was unlikely, as they only needed to go up a flight of stairs.
From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood
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.
