unlikelihood

noun

un·​like·​li·​hood ˌən-ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d 

1

: improbability

Given the unlikelihood of increased funding, the program will close down next month.

2

: something unlikely

Increased funding is an unlikelihood.

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 unlikelihood that any comparable Republican opposition would develop to a Dhillon promotion today underscores the GOP’s civil rights transformation. —Ronald Brownstein, Twin Cities, 26 Apr. 2026

His starting point was not optimism about the likelihood of human agreement but a sober recognition of its unlikelihood. —Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026

Or, what happens in the unlikelihood that the taxi is hacked via radio waves that program the thing, and then goes nuts? —Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 4 Feb. 2026

This is not simply the unlikelihood of a popular guy finally noticing his wallflower best friend (like the story of Colin and Penelope in season 3). —Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 19 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for unlikelihood

• adulthood
• babyhood
• brotherhood
• cottonwood
• fatherhood
• firewood
• fuelwood
• hardihood
• ironwood
• leatherwood
• likelihood
• livelihood

Kids Definition

unlikelihood

noun

un·​like·​li·​hood ˌən-ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d 

ˈən-

: the quality or state of being unlikely