unlikely

adjective

un·​like·​ly ˌən-ˈlī-klē 

1

: not likely : improbable

an unlikely outcome

2

: likely to fail : unpromising

an unlikely place to see much wildlife

Synonyms of unlikely

• doubtful
• dubious
• questionable
• improbable

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

Some have academic credentials that would make admission through Harvard’s front door highly unlikely. — Jayson Weingarten, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026

Fazio was one of only four senators to oppose the bill that passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, saying the state should defer to federal action that seems unlikely, given the opposition of the president. — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026

The shorter-than-expected extension of the truce is also unlikely to reignite tensions, the consultancy firm said. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026

This is unlikely to stop politicians from employing scare tactics, though. — Matt Calkins Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for unlikely

• likely

Kids 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