Unlikely Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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unlikely
[ʌnˈlaɪkli ]
Definitions
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.
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
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Humans tend to underestimate how 'unlikely' events can happen, leading to cognitive biases like the gambler's fallacy.
- Recognizing when something is 'unlikely' can help people avoid unnecessary risks and make better decisions.
Pop Culture
- In movies, characters might say something is 'unlikely' to create tension before something surprising happens.
- The song 'Ironic' by Alanis Morissette includes several examples of 'unlikely' events, contributing to its theme.
Science
- In statistics, events that are 'unlikely' have a low probability of occurring; often, they are considered rare outcomes.
- In genetics, certain traits may be described as 'unlikely' to appear together based on inheritance patterns.
Literature
- Writers often use 'unlikely' situations as a plot device to create conflict or humor, such as an underdog defeating a champion.
- In fairy tales, unlikely heroes might save the day, challenging expectations and highlighting the unpredictability of life.
Origin of 'unlikely'
Main points about word origin
- The word is made up of 'likely' (from Old Norse 'likely', meaning 'probably') with the prefix 'un-', which means 'not'.
- The prefix 'un-' has roots in Old English, indicating negation or opposition.
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.
See also: likelihoods, unlikelihood.