Unlikeliness: meaning, definitions and examples

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unlikeliness

 

[ ˌʌnˈlaɪklinəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in statistics

The quality or state of being unlikely; improbability.

Synonyms

improbability, rarity, unlikelihood.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unlikeliness

Similar to 'unlikelihood', can be used to highlight how unlikely a situation is.

  • The unlikeliness of her winning the competition did not deter her from trying her best
improbability

Often employed in more formal or scientific contexts to indicate the low chance of an event occurring.

  • The improbability of such a rare event happening twice was a subject of scientific study
unlikelihood

Commonly used to describe how an event or outcome is not likely to happen.

  • Given the unlikelihood of rain, we decided to have a picnic outdoors
rarity

Suitable for situations where the focus is on the scarcity or uncommonness of something.

  • The rarity of this antique makes it extremely valuable to collectors

Examples of usage

  • Due to the unlikeliness of the event, the probability of its occurrence is extremely low.
  • The unlikeliness of winning the lottery is why many people do not participate in it.
Context #2 | Noun

general usage

The quality of being improbable or unlikely to happen.

Synonyms

improbability, rarity, unlikelihood.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unlikeliness

Appropriate for discussing situations or events that are not expected to happen due to certain factors.

  • The unlikeliness of winning the lottery is why few people rely on it for their future plans.
  • Given the unlikeliness of snow in the desert, the tourists were pleasantly surprised.
improbability

Used when referring to the low chance or possibility of something occurring, often in a scientific or analytical context.

  • The improbability of finding life on other planets is still a topic of much debate among scientists.
  • The statistical improbability of such an event makes it almost impossible.
unlikelihood

Often used in informal conversation to express doubt about the chances of something happening.

  • Given the unlikelihood of rain, we decided to go for a picnic.
  • The unlikelihood of him finishing the project on time worried his team.
rarity

Best used when talking about something that is uncommon or seldom seen, often with a positive connotation.

  • Seeing a shooting star is a rarity that can make a night magical.
  • The rarity of such a fine wine makes it very valuable.

Examples of usage

  • The unlikeliness of her success story made it all the more inspiring.
  • Despite the unlikeliness of the situation, they managed to overcome the odds and succeed.

Translations

Translations of the word "unlikeliness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 improbabilidade

🇮🇳 असंभावना

🇩🇪 Unwahrscheinlichkeit

🇮🇩 ketidakmungkinan

🇺🇦 малоймовірність

🇵🇱 nieprawdopodobieństwo

🇯🇵 ありえなさ

🇫🇷 improbabilité

🇪🇸 improbabilidad

🇹🇷 olasılıksızlık

🇰🇷 가능성이 낮음

🇸🇦 عدم الاحتمالية

🇨🇿 nepravděpodobnost

🇸🇰 nepravdepodobnosť

🇨🇳 不大可能

🇸🇮 neverjetnost

🇮🇸 ótrúlegleiki

🇰🇿 ықтималдықтың аздығы

🇬🇪 ნაკლებად სავარაუდობა

🇦🇿 ehtimal azlığı

🇲🇽 improbabilidad

Etymology

The word 'unlikeliness' originated from the combination of 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'likeliness' meaning 'probability or chance'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. Over time, 'unlikeliness' has been used in various fields such as statistics, literature, and everyday conversation to describe the improbability or unlikelihood of certain events or outcomes.

See also: alike, alikeness, dislike, disliked, likable, like, likelihood, likely, liken, likeness, likewise, liking, unlike.