Synonyms of unlikely

unlikely

adjective

ˌən-ˈlī-klē 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• doubtful
• dubious
• questionable
• improbable
• impossible
• bizarre
• odd
• far-fetched
• flimsy
• incredible
• fantastic
• inconceivable
• implausible
• ridiculous
• unthinkable
• unapt
• absurd
• unimaginable
• unbelievable
• foolish
• crazy
• outlandish
• insane
• nonsensical
• unreal
• preposterous
• slight
• outside
• remote
• wild

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• likely
• probable
• possible
• plausible
• conceivable
• potential
• credible
• earthly
• liable
• believable
• imaginable

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unlikely

Exploring unlikely and opposing ideas presented by AI can feel disorienting. — Monideepa Tarafdar, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2026

Friday's weaker-than-expected September nonfarm payrolls growth solidified the recent swing in market odds back to just one more hike, with any move at the Fed's meeting later this month seen as unlikely. — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026

And when you’re done with that, maybe peruse some of the many other unlikely Doom ports that Ars has covered over the years. — Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 2026

Companies that keep it in the founder’s head are unlikely to deploy them at all. — Bonnie Le Page, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026