unlikely

[uhn-lahyk-lee]

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.

adverb

1. in an unlikely way.

unlikely

/ ʌnˈlaɪklɪ /

adjective

1. not likely; improbable

Other Word Forms

• unlikeliness 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

But the new announcement makes clear that licenses are unlikely to be issued to arms manufacturers and certain companies in the chip industry.

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It is highly unlikely anyone would choose to move to the village now - with the exception of Russian soldiers.

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The sushi, therefore, is unlikely to be deemed an ultra-processed food “of concern” or appear on the “restricted” list, experts said.

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Guidance from the Met Police issued last year currently states that while this chant is "difficult and controversial", it is unlikely the force would pursue persecution over its use.

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The psychologist said on Wednesday: "I find it unlikely that, across prisons, staff are making things up."

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Related Words

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