as in doubtful
not likely to be true or to occur
in the unlikely event that the file is deleted or corrupted, you will want to have backup copies available
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Recent Examples of unlikely
Three years have passed since the stadium-sized clown show of the duo’s last record, 10,000 gecs, and Brady’s been feverishly cooking up unlikely collaborations and solo material.
—
Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 27 Mar. 2026
Sullivan will speak, but owner Steve Ross is unlikely to speak during the four-day event.
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026
This option is often used by taxpayers whose financial outlook has permanently changed due to health issues or disability, making full repayment unlikely.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Because patient populations in the rare disease space can sometimes only consist of a few thousand — or even a few dozen people — drug companies have been hesitant to invest that kind of time and capital developing a drug that's unlikely to turn a profit.
—Brad Quick, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 27 Mar. 2026
Sullivan will speak, but owner Steve Ross is unlikely to speak during the four-day event.
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026
This option is often used by taxpayers whose financial outlook has permanently changed due to health issues or disability, making full repayment unlikely.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Because patient populations in the rare disease space can sometimes only consist of a few thousand — or even a few dozen people — drug companies have been hesitant to invest that kind of time and capital developing a drug that's unlikely to turn a profit.
—Brad Quick, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlikely
Adjective
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With key Pistons defenders like Ausar Thompson (ankle), Cade Cunningham (lung), and Isaiah Stewart (calf) sidelined or doubtful, Gilgeous-Alexander has a prime opportunity to exploit the matchup.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
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Starting center Neemias Queta — who, like Tatum, was listed as questionable against Charlotte before being upgraded before tipoff — is doubtful to play against Atlanta with a right thumb sprain.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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After being handed a fake car from a dubious contest, Castillo filed a real lawsuit against the station for $60,000.—
John Tufts,
IndyStar,
1 Apr. 2026
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The price of gasoline in June 2022 wins that dubious distinction.—
Jose R. Gonzalez,
AZCentral.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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However merry the mayhem of the movie dorm on Broadway, the sustainability of it all was starting to seem questionable.—
Lena Dunham,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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Initially listed as questionable for the game with back spasms, Norman Powell on Sunday morning was downgraded to out because of an upper respiratory illness.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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But Viktor Arvidsson, who assisted on all three regulation goals and is proving to be a fantastic acquisition, beat Greaves on a backhander to cash the two highly improbable points.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
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In 2025, Pavia authored one of the most improbable seasons in recent SEC history.—
Rowan Fisher-Shotton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlikely. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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