unlikely
adjective
un·like·ly
ˌən-ˈlī-klē 
1
: not likely : improbable
an unlikely outcome
2
: likely to fail : unpromising
Synonyms
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 judge could also impose other penalties like probation, though that’s unlikely, given the logistical issues that could present given Trump’s presidency.
—
Alison Durkee, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
But the prospect of an isolationist policy under Trump, even the possibility of a U.S. withdrawal from NATO and the further weakening of the Western alliance, confrontation with China, and a tariff war with much of the world, is unlikely to make the United States, or other countries, safer.
—Margaret MacMillan, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Both men are unlikely to be short of suitors and Mainoo has been linked by the Daily Mail with a switch to Chelsea.
—Carl Anka, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
More news: Mets Meet With All-Star Free Agent Closer: Report
The Mets are an unlikely suitor for Verdugo, if only because they are hitched to Juan Soto to a corner outfield position for the next 15 years.
—Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
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Alison Durkee, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
But the prospect of an isolationist policy under Trump, even the possibility of a U.S. withdrawal from NATO and the further weakening of the Western alliance, confrontation with China, and a tariff war with much of the world, is unlikely to make the United States, or other countries, safer.
—Margaret MacMillan, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Both men are unlikely to be short of suitors and Mainoo has been linked by the Daily Mail with a switch to Chelsea.
—Carl Anka, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
More news: Mets Meet With All-Star Free Agent Closer: Report
The Mets are an unlikely suitor for Verdugo, if only because they are hitched to Juan Soto to a corner outfield position for the next 15 years.
—Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for unlikely
Dictionary Entries Near unlikely
Cite this Entry
“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlikely. Accessed 20 Jan. 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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