improbable

adjective

im·​prob·​a·​ble (ˌ)im-ˈprä-bə-bəl 

-ˈpräb-bəl

: unlikely to be true or to occur

also : unlikely but real or true

improbability

(ˌ)im-ˌprä-bə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

improbably

(ˌ)im-ˈprä-bə-blē 

-ˈpräb-blē

adverb

Synonyms

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

Examples of improbable in a Sentence

The team made an improbable comeback.

it seems improbable that the two writers never met since they traveled in the same social circles

Recent Examples on the Web

However, Green made his first attempt in 2017 when the GOP had control of the House of Representatives and the Senate, meaning his chances of success were improbable. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025

Her most improbable scheme was to sell a Bruckner manuscript—the first three movements of the Third Symphony, which had been in Mahler’s possession—to none other than Hitler, a Bruckner fanatic. —Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025

The whole scenario sounds as improbable as one of Cleese’s iconic skits. —Brian Robin, Orange County Register, 31 Jan. 2025

With only 12 roster spots per conference, Hart’s inclusion feels mathematically improbable. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 27 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin improbabilis, from in- + probabilis probable

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

improbable

adjective

im·​prob·​a·​ble (ˈ)im-ˈpräb(-ə)-bəl 

: not probable : unlikely to be true or to occur

improbability

(ˌ)im-ˌpräb-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

improbably

(ˈ)im-ˈpräb(-ə)-blē 

adverb