improbable

adjective

im·​prob·​a·​ble (ˌ)im-ˈprä-bə-bəl 

-ˈpräb-bəl

: unlikely to be true or to occur

also : unlikely but real or true

improbability

(ˌ)im-ˌprä-bə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

improbably

(ˌ)im-ˈprä-bə-blē 

-ˈpräb-blē

adverb

Synonyms

• doubtful
• dubious
• far-fetched
• flimsy
• questionable
• unapt
• unlikely

Examples of improbable in a Sentence

The team made an improbable comeback.

it seems improbable that the two writers never met since they traveled in the same social circles

Recent Examples on the Web

After so many years dwelling in the cellar, a Detroit team is finally inching toward postseason success, one improbable rally at a time. —Ryan Ford, Detroit Free Press, 9 Sep. 2024

In any event, the schedule for launching an operational Starliner crew flight in less than a year seems improbable. —Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 5 Sep. 2024

Other than pulling off improbable victories over former champions, what did the Dutchman and Aussie have in common? —Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 4 Sep. 2024

The dominant new musical trend of the early 1990s was also one of the most improbable. —Spin Staff, SPIN, 3 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

improbable

adjective

im·​prob·​a·​ble (ˈ)im-ˈpräb(-ə)-bəl 

: not probable : unlikely to be true or to occur

improbability

(ˌ)im-ˌpräb-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

improbably

(ˈ)im-ˈpräb(-ə)-blē 

adverb