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

Siddiq, who is based in London and has rejected the charges, is unlikely to serve the jail term.

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It is supposed to be the busiest time of year for the Roadies trucking company, but dozens of its trucks sit idle — unlikely casualties of a surprise scrutiny of laborers from India.

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But it is unlikely that this emerging technology will be able to reverse sagging productivity trends soon.

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Wood is unlikely to feature in Brisbane because of soreness in the left knee upon which he had surgery in March.

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Siddiq, who is based in London and has rejected the charges, is unlikely to serve the sentence.

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Related Words

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