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 repeating 14-3 and a trip to the Super Bowl feels highly unlikely with the Patriots having a much tougher schedule and needing to plug holes up front on defense. — The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

The renowned actress stars alongside multihyphenate Taika Waititi in a road movie about the unlikely friendship between an elderly woman and a middle-aged man travelling from Chicago to New York to return a lost racing pigeon to its owner. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026

Along the way, Michael develops an unlikely friendship with Kacey (Lauren Patel), while navigating the demands of his boss Gordon (Crook) and the watchful eyes of nosy neighbours Bev (Sophie Willan) and Clive (Jon Pointing). — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026

The actions of an unlikely rescuer during a harrowing ordeal for the Morenos also make for a conclusion that feels like an easy out. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 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