unlikely

adjective

un·​like·​ly ˌən-ˈlī-klē 

1

: not likely : improbable

an unlikely outcome

2

: likely to fail : unpromising

an unlikely place to see much wildlife

Synonyms of unlikely

• doubtful
• dubious
• questionable
• improbable

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 on the Web

Prey, an unlikely hero off the bench, finished 4-of-4 on 3-pointers for 12 points. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 28 Mar. 2026

An unlikely duo in the state decided to join forces last year after judges began releasing potentially dangerous defendants suffering from mental health disorders, intellectual disabilities and traumatic brain injuries with no supervision or treatment. —Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026

The unlikely friends and partners have to save the city of Zootopia again by helping a snake (Ke Huy Quan) on the loose and uncovering a longtime conspiracy against reptiles. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026

To mark the occasion, the company enlisted an unlikely duo — Megan Thee Stallion and Nickelback — for a music video that reimagines one of the most recognizable rock songs of the 2000s. —Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for unlikely

• likely

Kids Definition

unlikely

adjective

un·​like·​ly ˌən-ˈlī-klē 

ˈən-

1

: not likely : improbable

an unlikely story

2

: likely to fail : unpromising

an unlikely place for fishing

unlikeliness noun