Synonyms

improbability

American

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

noun

plural

improbabilities

the quality or condition of being improbable; unlikelihood.
something improbable or unlikely.

Etymology

Origin of improbability

First recorded in 1590–1600; improbable + -ity

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.

"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

But if Tuesday’s testimony wasn’t an electric scene of outbursts and tears, it was no less stunning for its sheer improbability.

From Seattle Times • May 7, 2024

Even more astounding is our statistical improbability in physical terms.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023