Unlikely: meaning, definitions and examples

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unlikely

[ ʌnˈlaɪkli ]

^{Context #1}

in a doubtful or uncertain manner

Not likely to happen or be true; improbable.

Synonyms

doubtful, improbable, questionable, uncertain

Examples of usage

It is highly unlikely that he will change his mind.
An unlikely explanation for the missing money.
She thought it was unlikely that he would call.
It seems unlikely that she would lie about such a thing.
The team faces an unlikely victory in the next match.

^{Context #2}

in a way that is not typical or expected

Not seeming to merit consideration or notice; inconsequential.

Synonyms

inconsequential, insignificant, irrelevant, negligible, unimportant

Examples of usage

She thought it was unlikely that he would remember her.
It is unlikely that she will be able to attend the meeting.

Translations

Translations of the word "unlikely" in other languages:

🇵🇹 improvável

🇮🇳 असंभव

🇩🇪 unwahrscheinlich

🇮🇩 tidak mungkin

🇺🇦 малоймовірний

🇵🇱 mało prawdopodobny

🇯🇵 ありそうもない

🇫🇷 improbable

🇪🇸 improbable

🇹🇷 olası değil

🇰🇷 있을 것 같지 않은

🇸🇦 غير محتمل

🇨🇿 nepravděpodobný

🇸🇰 nepravdepodobný

🇨🇳 不太可能

🇸🇮 neverjetno

🇮🇸 ólíklegt

🇰🇿 мүмкін емес

🇬🇪 ცოტნად მოსალოდნელი

🇦🇿 ehtimalı az

🇲🇽 improbable

Word origin

The word 'unlikely' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'likely', which derives from the Old English 'gelic' meaning 'similar'. Over time, 'unlikely' has come to be used to describe situations or events that are not probable or expected.