improbability

Gamblers would see that it had come up black the past eight spins, marvel at the improbability, and feel in their bones that the tiny silver ball was now more likely to land on red.

Mr Sterling said: "The improbability of this event defies rational explanation."

But if Tuesday’s testimony wasn’t an electric scene of outbursts and tears, it was no less stunning for its sheer improbability.

Ultimately, however, no director can hide all the improbabilities in the libretto.

The improbability of the American dream likely drives desire towards it.