unlikely

un·like·ly

adj \-ˈlī-klē\

Definition of UNLIKELY

1

: not likely : improbable <an unlikely outcome>

2

: likely to fail : unpromising

Examples of UNLIKELY

1. He was an unlikely candidate for the position.
2. A big city seems like an unlikely place to find wildlife.
3. I received support from an unlikely ally.

First Known Use of UNLIKELY

14th century

Related to UNLIKELY

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

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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