unlikely
adjective
un·like·ly
ˌən-ˈlī-klē 
1
: not likely : improbable
an unlikely outcome
2
: likely to fail : unpromising
Synonyms
Examples of unlikely in a Sentence
He was an unlikely candidate for the position.
A big city seems like an unlikely place to find wildlife.
I received support from an unlikely ally.
Recent Examples on the Web
Immediately, the unlikely crime solving duo of catering chef Goldy Berry and police detective Tom Schultz are on the case once again.
—
Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2024
One thing unlikely to happen, however, is for their kids to rekindle their relationship.
—Jack Irvin, Peoplemag, 25 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unlikely 
Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2024
One thing unlikely to happen, however, is for their kids to rekindle their relationship.
—Jack Irvin, Peoplemag, 25 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unlikely
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unlikely.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near unlikely
Cite this Entry
“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlikely. Accessed 6 May. 2024.
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unlikely
adjective
un·like·ly
ˌən-ˈlī-klē
ˈən-
1
: not likely : improbable
an unlikely story
2
: likely to fail : unpromising
an unlikely place for fishing
unlikeliness
noun
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