Unlikely: meaning, definitions and examples
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unlikely
[ ʌnˈlaɪkli ]
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
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
Etymology
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.