unlikely

[uhn-lahyk-lee]

adjective

unlikelier, unlikeliest 

1. not likely to be or occur; improbable; marked by doubt.

2. holding little prospect of success; unpromising; likely to fail.

   He is an unlikely candidate for reelection.

3. not ingratiating; objectionable.

adverb

1. in an unlikely way.

unlikely

/ ʌnˈlaɪklɪ /

adjective

1. not likely; improbable

Other Word Forms

• unlikeliness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unlikely¹

First recorded in 1325–75, unlikely is from the Middle English word unlikli. See un- ¹, likely

Idioms and Phrases

see in the unlikely event.

Example Sentences

An Indian farmer from the hilly village of Piplodi in the western Indian state of Rajasthan has found himself in an unlikely spotlight.

From BBC

It's unlikely this is the end of the issue.

From BBC

"You just don't know," he said on Thursday, citing as evidence the unlikely turn of events on the final matchday of last year's Nations League that saw Wales win their group.

From BBC

Still Archer fought, his unbeaten 27 getting England to within one blow of an unlikely escape.

From BBC

Experts have previously said that conveyancers would be unlikely to be able to give specialist tax advice of the kind Rayner required.

From BBC

Related Words

• absurd 
• implausible 
• improbable 
• inconceivable 
• incredible 
• rare 
• remote 
• strange 
• unbelievable