adjective
unlikely
Not expected to happen or be true.
With clear skies overhead, rain seems unlikely this afternoon.
Etymology
Likely developed a probability sense. The negative prefix describes a possibility judged improbable or not reasonably expected.
More examples
- She is unlikely to change her mind.
- It seems unlikely that both clocks stopped at once.
- His explanation sounds unlikely, but we cannot rule it out.
Forms
unlikely · unlikelier · unlikeliest
unlikelihood noun — The low probability of something happening.
Similar words
- improbable
- Often more formal; emphasizes a low probability of occurring.
- doubtful
- Emphasizes uncertainty or reasons to question whether something is true.