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

Barring that, which seems unlikely as of now, and this is a real debacle for Republicans — who can’t afford one in such a tight election season. — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 3 Aug. 2026

As of now, the July framework seems unlikely to survive in its current form. — Yoel Guzansky, Foreign Affairs, 3 Aug. 2026

The discovery has challenged existing theories of planet formation, suggesting planets can emerge in environments previously considered unlikely. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026

Henseleit delivered with a most unlikely putt, 40 feet across the 18th green. — ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026