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

But while that may appear unlikely, according to the poll sponsored by state Democrats and seven of the last 10 other polls, there's always a chance the Democrats could cancel each other out. —Terry Collins, USA Today, 14 May 2026

For the company stalwart employee eager to climb to the very top, the reality of corporate America today means their loyalty is unlikely to go rewarded. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 14 May 2026

Far from being a fringe belief system, masculinism has become the single most important force uniting the American right, bringing together an unlikely constellation of pastors, posters, senators, preachers, influencers, podcasters, and fanboys. —Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026

While global air and sea surface temperatures are currently falling short of new record highs, climate scientists warn this pause is unlikely to last. —Dan Peck, ABC News, 14 May 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