Unlikely: meaning, definitions and examples
🤷
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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.
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