unlikely

American  

[uhn-lahyk-lee] / ʌnˈlaɪk li /

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.

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adverb

1. in an unlikely way.

unlikely British  

/ ʌnˈlaɪklɪ /

adjective

1. not likely; improbable

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unlikely Idioms  

1. see in the unlikely event.

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Other Word Forms

• unlikeliness noun

Etymology

Origin of unlikely

First recorded in 1325–75, unlikely is from the Middle English word unlikli. See un- ¹, likely

Example Sentences

On the dohyo, the sacred mound of straw, sand, and clay where sumo wrestlers ply their trade, the most unlikely star in the sport goes by Aonishiki.

From The Wall Street Journal

But based on how far below average the snowpack remains in the Rocky Mountains, a full rebound seems very unlikely this year.

From Los Angeles Times

However, the researchers emphasize that hopping was unlikely to be their primary way of getting around.

From Science Daily

Big picture: The U.S. economy is unlikely to match the frothy growth rates of last spring and summer, but companies are hopeful business will pick up as the year goes on.

From MarketWatch

Something TikTok and those behind its new US joint venture will be keen to avoid is too much disruption - so making users download a new app seems unlikely.

From BBC

Related Words

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