unlikelihood

noun

un·​like·​li·​hood ˌən-ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce unlikelihood (audio)
1
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With the unlikelihood of Saudi Arabia catching any strays, WWE talent arrived in Riyadh this week with no incident. Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025 With the unlikelihood of the draft providing them a rotation player, the Lakers will continue to build their team in other ways, from free agency to trades. Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025 Further dimming the prospects of peace is the unlikelihood that any of the developments that could change Putin’s calculus will materialize. Richard Haass, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2022 The unlikelihood of this turn of events—a niece being the first to find her uncle’s corpse—dissipates into the dynamic of the call: Shula’s bored, patient matter-of-factness, her father’s jolly, scattershot drunkenness. Namwali Serpell, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unlikelihood

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unlikelihood was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unlikelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlikelihood. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

unlikelihood

noun
un·​like·​li·​hood ˌən-ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce unlikelihood (audio)
ˈən-
: the quality or state of being unlikely

More from Merriam-Webster on unlikelihood

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!