not likely

idiom

: probably not
"Will she get the job?" "Not likely."

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Unfortunately for consumers and businesses weary of soaring borrowing costs, the Fed’s not likely done hiking rates quite yet. Christopher Decker, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2023 The Postal Service is not likely to hit those milestones, though it’s received significant financial help from Congress. Jacob Bogage, Washington Post, 11 Apr. 2023 Fed Chairman Jerome Powell also indicated that a rate cut was not likely for the rest of the year. Marco Quiroz-gutierrez, Fortune Crypto, 22 Mar. 2023 Temperatures are not likely to cool in Washington, either, given the consensus across the aisle to be tough on China and hardening American public perceptions. Nectar Gan, CNN, 8 Mar. 2023 But Mitchell said that conviction was not likely at this time, and that more information was needed before being able to proceed further in the case. Elena Santa Cruz, The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2023 After everything that has transpired, Melissa tells PEOPLE that a reconciliation between them is not likely at this point. Joelle Goldstein, Peoplemag, 9 Feb. 2023 In the meantime, however, these and even more modest ideas are not likely to be seriously discussed. Jeff Stein, Anchorage Daily News, 9 Feb. 2023 Of the 61 remaining fires reported Friday, 44 are under control and 17 are being suppressed and are not likely to spread. Mirna Alsharif, NBC News, 6 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'not likely.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near not likely

Cite this Entry

“Not likely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/not%20likely. Accessed 30 May. 2023.

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