unlikely

adjective

un·​like·​ly ˌən-ˈlī-klē 

1

: not likely : improbable

an unlikely outcome

2

: likely to fail : unpromising

Synonyms

• doubtful
• dubious
• far-fetched
• flimsy
• improbable
• questionable
• unapt

Examples of unlikely in a Sentence

He was an unlikely candidate for the position.

A big city seems like an unlikely place to find wildlife.

I received support from an unlikely ally.

Recent Examples on the Web

Currently, in southeast Michigan, there is a tornado watch for Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe and Washtenaw counties until 11 p.m., but the National Weather Service says that the chances of tornadoes in these areas are still unlikely. —Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press, 8 May 2024

But Jacobs, who amid the ongoing saga was voted Branham’s Teacher of the Year by his peers last month, said that is unlikely. —Nathan Canilao, The Mercury News, 8 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

unlikely

adjective

un·​like·​ly ˌən-ˈlī-klē 

ˈən-

1

: not likely : improbable

an unlikely story

2

: likely to fail : unpromising

an unlikely place for fishing

unlikeliness noun