Improbable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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improbable
[ɪmˈprɒbəb(ə)l ]
Definitions
unlikely event
Not likely to happen or be true; unlikely.
Synonyms
doubtful, uncertain, unlikely, unlikely.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| improbable |
This word is synonymous with 'unlikely' and is used the same way, for emphasizing low probability without indicating impossibility.
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| unlikely |
Use 'unlikely' to suggest that something has a low chance of happening, but it's not impossible. It emphasizes the improbability.
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| doubtful |
Use 'doubtful' when expressing uncertainty or skepticism about something happening or being true. It often carries a negative connotation.
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| uncertain |
Use 'uncertain' to describe a state of not being sure or determined. It covers a broader scope of ambiguity compared to the other words.
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Examples of usage
- It is highly improbable that he will ever win a Nobel Prize.
- The chances of winning the lottery are so improbable that many people don't even bother buying a ticket.
not credible
Not capable of being believed; implausible.
Synonyms
implausible, incredible, unbelievable, unconvincing.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| improbable |
Mostly used to describe something that is unlikely to happen but not completely impossible. Often used in statistical or factual contexts.
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| implausible |
Used when something is not believable or lacks credibility. Usually in contexts where logical or reasonable doubt arises.
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| incredible |
Typically used to describe something that is amazing, extraordinary, or hard to believe in a positive sense.
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| unbelievable |
Similar to 'incredible,' but can be used in both positive and negative contexts. Highlights extreme amazement or doubt.
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| unconvincing |
Describes something that fails to persuade or impress someone. Often used in contexts of arguments, performances, or presentations.
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Examples of usage
- The story he told was so improbable that no one believed him.
- Her excuse for being late was so improbable that her boss didn't buy it.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In statistics, improbable events have low probabilities, often less than 5% chance of occurring.
- Improbable events can still happen, especially in large samples, which is why unusual outcomes can surprise us.
- Quantum mechanics often deals with improbable occurrences, representing a world where unlikely things can happen.
Pop Culture
- In films and literature, improbable situations create suspense, like a hero surviving an explosion unscathed.
- The phrase 'improbable cause' is often used in mystery stories, where unlikely suspects turn out to be the culprits.
- Comedians play with improbability for humor, relying on absurd scenarios that are unlikely to happen.
Mathematics
- In probability theory, the probability of an event measures how likely it is to happen, with 'improbable' events reflecting low probability values.
- The law of large numbers shows that improbable outcomes can still manifest over a large number of trials.
- Random events in games, like rolling a certain number in dice, can be classified as improbable based on their respective probabilities.
Literature
- The concept of improbability is frequently explored in fiction, examining the boundaries of reality and imagination.
- Authors like Douglas Adams in 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' often highlight improbable scenarios for comedic effect.
- Improbable tales can contribute to the genre of magical realism, blending the ordinary with the fantastical.
Origin of 'improbable'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'improbabilis', meaning 'not provable' or 'not likely'.
- It combines the prefix 'in-' which means 'not', with 'probable', which comes from 'probare', meaning 'to test or prove'.
- The term became more widely used in English around the early 19th century.
The word 'improbable' originated in the late 16th century from the Latin word 'improbabilis', which means 'not to be approved'. It has been used in English literature to describe things that are unlikely or not credible. Over the years, the word has evolved to become a common adjective used to express doubt or uncertainty.
See also: probability.