unlikelihood

noun

un·like·li·hood | \ ˌən-ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d

Definition of unlikelihood

1 : improbability

2 : something unlikely

Examples of unlikelihood in a Sentence

Given the unlikelihood of a tax increase, these programs will probably run out of funding next year.

Recent Examples on the Web

The flagrant unlikelihood of anyone in today’s White House ingesting a book of poems, much less consulting Tracy K. Smith, our current laureate, on any matter, is apparent. — Dwight Garner, New York Times, "Scorching, Sophisticated New Work From Two of America’s Leading Poets," 16 Apr. 2018 The Senate vote is a hard-fought victory for net neutrality supporters despite the unlikelihood that the resolution will pass the House. — Alyssa Newcomb /, NBC News, "Senate votes to save net neutrality — but House vote looms," 16 May 2018 After the Panic of 1873 and the Democratic takeover of the House the following year, the unlikelihood shrank to the vanishing point. — Allen C. Guelzo, Time, "Reconstruction Didn't Fail. It Was Overthrown," 30 Apr. 2018 But many have pointed out the unlikelihood of her hacking claims. — Paula Rogo, Essence.com, "Joy-Ann Reid Apologizes For Controversial Comments In Old Blog Posts," 28 Apr. 2018 Given the unlikelihood that Apple will ever plow that money into a monster deal, the company is right to give back some of the largess. — Dan Gallagher, WSJ, "Apple’s Big Payday Will Only Go So Far," 28 Apr. 2018 Trump seemed to confirm that unlikelihood in a tweet late Tuesday night. — Noah Bierman, latimes.com, "Trump says talks with North Korea are already in high gear, tries to reassure Japan," 18 Apr. 2018 Given the unlikelihood of that scenario, however, Miami needs a backup plan. — Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAY, "Three and out: Miami Dolphins' 2018 NFL draft needs, prospect fits," 2 Apr. 2018 Given the distance between the two sides, and the unlikelihood that North Korea will fully denuclearize, a lasting agreement does not seem possible. — Alex Shephard, The New Republic, "Talks with North Korea probably won’t go anywhere. That doesn’t mean they’re a waste of time.," 9 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unlikelihood.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.