unlikely

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adjective un·like·ly \ ˌən-ˈlī-klē \

Definition of unlikely

1 :not likely :improbable

an unlikely outcome

2 :likely to fail :unpromising

See unlikely defined for English-language learners

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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 of unlikely from the Web

All three could feature as a government witness should Damache take his case to trial, which is unlikely to occur this year.

— jeremy roebuck, Philly.com, "Terror suspect in 'Jihad Jane' case pleads not guilty," 28 Aug. 2017
Such talks are unlikely to yield a close personal relationship between the two leaders.

— Washington Post, "Republican agenda threatened by Trump-McConnell feud," 24 Aug. 2017
Even if a pet never suffers from an accident or illness (very unlikely), pet insurance covers a variety of services.

— Cincinnati.com, "Column: Pet insurance - Can you afford to wait?," 23 Aug. 2017
This could be the start of a very unlikely friendship.

— de elizabeth, Teen Vogue, "Justin Bieber Confronts Paparazzo, Asks “Why Were You So Mean?”," 22 Aug. 2017
Garner plays Ruth Langmore, a scrappy teenage criminal mastermind, who plots against Marty while simultaneously becoming his unlikely ally.

— anna silman, The Cut, "The Misfit Ingenue," 22 Aug. 2017
In 1982, The Official Sloane Ranger Handbook, an era-defining little work of humorous social anthropology, became an unlikely chart-topping success.

— olivia blair, Town & Country, "Looking Back at the Official Sloane Ranger Handbook 35 Years Later," 18 Aug. 2017
The early donation disclosures support expectations that Democrats will maintain their 5-4 council majority in 2018 and that the ideology of the council is unlikely to significantly shift.

— david garrick, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Candidates off to fast fundraising starts in San Diego council races," 12 Aug. 2017
Emma Coburn and UMKC product Courtney Frerichs pulled off an unlikely and historic 1-2 finish for the United States in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the World Track and Field Championships on Friday.

— kansascity, "Nixa native, UMKC product Frerichs part of gold-silver finish for U.S. in London," 11 Aug. 2017

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

First Known Use of unlikely

14th century

unlikely Synonyms

Synonyms

doubtful, dubious, far-fetched, flimsy, questionable, unapt, improbable

Antonyms

likely, probable

Related Words

implausible, impossible, inconceivable, incredible, unbelievable, unimaginable, unthinkable; absurd, bizarre, crazy, fantastic (also fantastical), foolish, insane, nonsensical, odd, outlandish, preposterous, ridiculous, unreal, wild; outside, remote, slight

Near Antonyms

believable, conceivable, credible, earthly, imaginable, plausible; possible, potential; liable

UNLIKELY Defined for English Language Learners

unlikely

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adjective

Definition of unlikely for English Language Learners

: not likely
: not seeming to be right or suited for a purpose

UNLIKELY Defined for Kids

unlikely

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adjective un·like·ly \ ən-ˈlī-klē \

Definition of unlikely for Students

unlikelier; unlikeliest

1 :not likely

an unlikely story

2 :not promising

This is an unlikely place for fishing.

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