improbable

American  

[im-prob-uh-buhl] / ɪmˈprɒb ə bəl /

adjective

1. not probable; unlikely to be true or to happen.

   Rain is improbable tonight.

   Synonyms:

   implausible, doubtful, questionable

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improbable British  

/ ɪmˈprɒbəbəl /

adjective

1. not likely or probable; doubtful; unlikely

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Other Word Forms

• improbability noun
• improbableness noun
• improbably adverb
• superimprobable adjective
• superimprobableness noun
• superimprobably adverb

Etymology

Origin of improbable

From the Latin word improbābilis, dating back to 1590–1600. See im- ², probable

Example Sentences

It was work, and intention and hope that the seemingly impossible was really just improbable but achievable.

From Los Angeles Times

It seems improbable now, but one never knows.

From MarketWatch

In 1986 came the equally improbable “Stand by Me,” a coming-of-age film that was his biggest yet at the box office.

From The Wall Street Journal

But the most improbable thing about the Playground is how it came to be.

From The Wall Street Journal

Weeks later, Moore then led unranked Michigan to an improbable upset of the No. 2 Buckeyes, 13-10, in Columbus.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• fanciful
• implausible
• rare
• unbelievable
• unlikely