unlikely

adjective

un·​like·​ly ˌən-ˈlī-klē 

1

: not likely : improbable

an unlikely outcome

2

: likely to fail : unpromising

an unlikely place to see much wildlife

Synonyms of unlikely

• doubtful
• dubious
• questionable
• improbable

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

Kylie Cooper | Reuters A major piece of legislation that will establish a regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies is unlikely to become a law by year end, Kalshi traders speculate. — Ananya Chetia, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026

Early in this year’s war, the United States and Israel considered launching ground operations to extract nuclear material but never initiated them, judging them to be highly risky and unlikely to affect the regime’s decision-making. — Nate Swanson, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026

Other users pointed to another clue that the handset seen in the video was unlikely to be Netanyahu’s personal phone. — Deborah Danan, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026

Take-Two’s stock has slid as investors fret over the breach, but industry analysts and USC experts say even a playable leak is unlikely to dent the game franchise’s record-shattering sales. — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for unlikely

• likely

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