improbability

American  

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

noun

• improbabilities
  plural

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

2. something improbable or unlikely.

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• improbabilities
  plural

Etymology

Origin of improbability

First recorded in 1590–1600; improbable + -ity

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

improbability improbabilities

One posits the existence of billions of universes, arguing that happenstance alone accounts for the improbability of our inhabiting this one.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 16, 2026

"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

Of every improbability packed into that moment, this struck him the most forcefully.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

One of the strategies adopted by Mr. Coben and company is to keep the improbabilities coming.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 18, 2026

Ultimately, however, no director can hide all the improbabilities in the libretto.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 22, 2024

After all, if the biggest failure in the multiverse can turn out to be its savior, why can’t an unlikely awards contender defy its own statistical improbabilities and realize its Oscar dream?

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 12, 2023

My problem with “Mr. Fullerton” has to do with its fictional improbabilities.

From New York Times ● Jul. 28, 2021

In some contexts, improbabilities are to be expected.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos