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

Rain rates are probably going to be a quarter of an inch per hour or less, making debris flow and landslides unlikely. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026

The series is set in a world under constant surveillance, in which a troubled war veteran and an idealistic Europol agent form an unlikely duo to unravel a tech conspiracy threatening Europe and the foundations of reality, the logline runs. — Emily Longeretta, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Iran is ultimately unlikely to end the United States’ military presence in the Gulf region. — Narges Bajoghli, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2026

Cindy Sherman’s latest body of work was inspired by an unlikely place. — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 9 Oct. 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