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Definitions

unlikely

[uhn-lahyk-lee] / ʌnˈlaɪk li /
ADJECTIVE
not probable
Synonyms
STRONGEST
absurd implausible improbable inconceivable incredible rare remote strange unbelievable
WEAK
contrary doubtful dubious faint not likely out of the ordinary outside chance questionable slight unconvincing unheard-of unimaginable untoward
Antonyms
STRONGEST
believable common credible likely plausible possible probable reasonable regular tenable usual
WEAK
imaginable probably

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Appeared in the April 15, 2026, print edition as 'Connie Francis’ Unlikely Ticket to Fame'.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

“The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan” strikes the right balance of sincerity in the hands of Jasmine Warga, though there’s still plenty of material to tug at the heartstrings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Gloucestershire-based Rachel Joyce's best-seller The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry was first published in 2012 and is now on stage at the Theatre Royal in London's Haymarket.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

Unlikely, according to Investec’s analyst Patrick Mann whose note Friday refused to rule out further talks in future.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 6, 2026

Unlikely as it may seem, the television game show The Weakest Link provides a unique laboratory to study discrimination.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt