unlikely
adjective
un·like·ly
ˌən-ˈlī-klē 
1
: not likely : improbable
an unlikely outcome
2
: likely to fail : unpromising
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
The foundation claimed Mexico was unlikely to change its stance when Sheinbaum was elected despite the escalating threat from cartels.
—
Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 4 May 2025
Low interest rates are unlikely to return anytime soon.
—Azeem Khan, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Some say that news is a precursor to a recession, but that seems very unlikely given the other economic news.
—Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner, 3 May 2025
The offense, however, is unlikely to find that same consistency.
—Kelly Iko, New York Times, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
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Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 4 May 2025
Low interest rates are unlikely to return anytime soon.
—Azeem Khan, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Some say that news is a precursor to a recession, but that seems very unlikely given the other economic news.
—Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner, 3 May 2025
The offense, however, is unlikely to find that same consistency.
—Kelly Iko, New York Times, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Cite this Entry
“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlikely. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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