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.

So I think it is quite unlikely, just by consuming steak or consuming beef, that anything bad is going to happen to you.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

So I think we have to consider it unlikely he will ever get to know the delights of a Popeyes chicken sandwich.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Despite their dramatically different standing in Chinatown’s social strata, the women form an unlikely bond.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

Warsh has been a critic of the big Fed balance sheet for years, but he is unlikely to do much about it early on.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

The warning came from an unlikely source, a girl named Emily who’d shared a cell with Sara the night before.

From "City Spies" by James Ponti

unlikely

Example Sentences

Related Words