unlikelihood

noun

un·​like·​li·​hood ˌən-ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d 

1

: improbability

2

: something unlikely

Example Sentences

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

Recent Examples on the Web

If that statement had been made before the season, some good money could have been made betting on the unlikelihood of that being the case. —Mark Heim | [e-mail], al, 30 Oct. 2022

Despite the unlikelihood of hitting that mark (Auburn would need to average 5.6 sacks per game the rest of the season, including a bowl game), Auburn is going to keep striving for it. —Tom Green | [e-mail], al, 21 Sep. 2022

That shift against Russia accelerated after Mr. Putin on Wednesday announced the mobilization of some additional 300,000 troops to Ukraine, signaling the unlikelihood of a quick end to the war. —Matthew Lee, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Sep. 2022

That’s particularly dire considering the unlikelihood of further such opportunities coming along. —New York Times, 8 Sep. 2022

As Gibson rounded the bases and pumped his fist, Scully summed up the unlikelihood of the ex-Tiger taking Eckersley deep. —Ryan Ford, Detroit Free Press, 3 Aug. 2022

Both Hagman and Warren acknowledged the unlikelihood that the proposal would succeed. —Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2022

But others doubt that explanation, noting the unlikelihood that a major shift in corporate concentration took place over just a couple years amid the pandemic. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 30 June 2022

The state's Republican primary on Tuesday will all but decide the next congressional delegation from Arkansas given the unlikelihood of Democratic upsets in November, according to political observers and strategists. —Ryan Tarinelli, Arkansas Online, 22 May 2022

See More

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

unlikelihood

noun

un·​like·​li·​hood ˌən-ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d 

ˈən-

: the quality or state of being unlikely