improbable

im·prob·a·ble

adj \(ˌ)im-ˈprä-bə-bəl, -ˈpräb-bəl\

Definition of IMPROBABLE

: unlikely to be true or to occur; also : unlikely but real or true

— im·prob·a·bil·i·ty \-ˌprä-bə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— im·prob·a·bly \-ˈprä-bə-blē, -ˈpräb-blē\ adverb

Examples of IMPROBABLE

1. The team made an improbable comeback.
2. <it seems improbable that the two writers never met since they traveled in the same social circles>

Origin of IMPROBABLE

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

First Known Use: 1598

Related to IMPROBABLE

Synonyms: doubtful, dubious, far-fetched, flimsy, questionable, unapt, unlikely

Antonyms: likely, probable

Related Words: implausible, impossible, inconceivable, incredible, unbelievable, unimaginable, unthinkable; absurd, bizarre, crazy, fantastic (also fantastical), foolish, insane, nonsensical, odd, outlandish, preposterous, ridiculous, unreal, wild; outside, remote, slight

Near Antonyms: believable, conceivable, credible, earthly, imaginable, plausible; possible, potential; liable

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