not likely

idiom

: probably not

"Will she get the job?" "Not likely."

Examples of not likely in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Federal Aviation Administration will need to conduct assessments before resuming flights, which are not likely to begin for a few months. —Reuters wire Service, Dallas Morning News, 29 Jan. 2026

Republicans say any changes to the spending would need to be passed by the House to prevent a shutdown, and that is not likely to happen in time because the House is not in legislative session this week. —Mary Clare Jalonick, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026

In his ruling denying Turner's request for a new trial, the judge found Sims' testimony is not likely to lead to a different result at trial. —Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 26 Jan. 2026

Those actions, however, are not likely to restrict the federal government's ability to proceed on the OKC center, according to city officials. —Maria Guinnip, Oklahoman, 26 Jan. 2026

Rhymes for not likely

• unlikely