as in doubtful
not likely to be true or to occur
in the unlikely event that the file is deleted or corrupted, you will want to have backup copies available
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Recent Examples of unlikely
Like most quick fixes, experts say this combination is unlikely to do much for your symptoms and may actually hurt your recovery.
—
Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2026
The debate is unlikely to fade once the game ends.
—Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
International executives will be familiar with Walden, but are unlikely to know a huge amount about D’Amaro, a Disney lifer who has come up through the parks and experiences division.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2026
But with Democrats vowing to block the bill, Senate passage is unlikely.
—Justin Papp, CNBC, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2026
The debate is unlikely to fade once the game ends.
—Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
International executives will be familiar with Walden, but are unlikely to know a huge amount about D’Amaro, a Disney lifer who has come up through the parks and experiences division.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2026
But with Democrats vowing to block the bill, Senate passage is unlikely.
—Justin Papp, CNBC, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlikely
Adjective
-
Injury update The Heat on Tuesday downgraded Powell from questionable to doubtful for Tuesday night’s home game against Atlanta because of the undisclosed personal reasons that have sidelined him for the past two games.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
3 Feb. 2026
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Whether Warsh’s appointment will move Fed policy in the direction Trump desires is doubtful.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Social media influencers promote dubious nutrition concepts and unproven health products or procedures without oversight.—
Kirstin R.W. Matthews,
STAT,
3 Feb. 2026
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Chicago also had the dubious honor of having the first of only two bank failures nationwide last year.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Malik Monk, who started at point guard after De’Aaron Fox was traded last season, is questionable against the Wizards due to a right heel contusion.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
1 Feb. 2026
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But Heat starting guard Norman Powell remains questionable for Sunday after missing Saturday’s loss to the Bulls because of personal reasons.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The hope that Legette can be a WR1 is over with Tetairoa McMillan in the picture, but even being the team's WR2 seems improbable.—
Steve Bradshaw,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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But Denver has posted a 9-5 record in his absence, an improbable run tied to David Adelman’s empowerment of young players, Jamal Murray’s best season and the stunning offensive development of Peyton Watson.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlikely. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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