Not likely Meaning in English
expression
ˈnɑt/ /ˈɫaɪkɫi
NAHT LYKE-lee
nˈɒt/ /lˈaɪkli
not LYKE-lee
Definition
Used to say that something probably will not happen or is not true.
Usage & Nuances
'Not likely' is often used informally, sometimes as a firm or sarcastic response. Common after questions as a short reply: 'Will it rain? Not likely.' Not as formal as 'unlikely'. Sometimes used alone as a dismissal.
Spanish: no es probable - poco probablePortuguese (BR): não é provável - pouco provávelPortuguese (PT): não é provável - pouco provávelChinese (Simplified): 不太可能Chinese (Traditional): 不太可能Hindi: संभावना नहीं है - संभव नहीं हैArabic: من غير المحتمل - غير مرجحBengali: সম্ভাবনা কম - সম্ভব নয়Russian: вряд лиJapanese: ありそうにない - 可能性が低いVietnamese: không có khả năng - khó xảy raKorean: 그럴 것 같지 않다 - 가능성 낮다Turkish: muhtemel değilUrdu: امکان نہیں - غالباً نہیںIndonesian: tidak mungkin - kecil kemungkinannya
Example Sentences
It's not likely to snow in this city.
basic
She is not likely to forget your birthday.
basic
It’s not likely that the meeting will start on time.
basic
Will he finish the project by Friday? Not likely.
natural
I asked my parents for a puppy, but it's not likely they'll say yes.
natural
You think he's going to apologize? Not likely!
natural