improbability

American  

[im-prob-uh-bil-i-tee, im-prob-] / ɪmˌprɒb əˈbɪl ɪ ti, ˌɪm prɒb- /

noun

plural

improbabilities

1. the quality or condition of being improbable; unlikelihood.

2. something improbable or unlikely.

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Etymology

Origin of improbability

First recorded in 1590–1600; improbable + -ity

Example Sentences

"The inherent improbability that such a large number of journalists would do that should be borne in mind," White argued.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

I wish I could tell you I respected the improbability of the windfall by immediately retreating to my suite.

From Slate • Nov. 18, 2025

Such improbability is what propelled the Club 27 myth to prominence, and subsequent deaths — especially Kurt Cobain’s passing — continue to fuel its mystique, Dunivin said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 5, 2024

Mr Sterling said: "The improbability of this event defies rational explanation."

From BBC • Oct. 2, 2024

Gamblers would see that it had come up black the past eight spins, marvel at the improbability, and feel in their bones that the tiny silver ball was now more likely to land on red.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis