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

Attempting to close this gap solely by raising the gas tax would require a dramatic increase that is unlikely to be politically viable. —Andrew Stasiowski, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026

After 90 minutes of hoping for the most unlikely of results, the full-time whistle is blown, and common sense finally sets in. —Nnamdi Onyeagwara, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026

With a little nod to Deliverance, Sasha navigates the fiercely rolling river to escape, but this guy knows how to catch up, no matter how unlikely the feat. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2026

Trading the tropics for the heart of London may seem like an unlikely backdrop for the brand’s 27th opening, but there’s also something to be said for arriving at the Six Senses London without a multi-leg, multi-day journey that requires, say, a wellness retreat to recover from. —Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 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