improbable
word
Definition
Unlikely to happen or be true; not probable.
Usage & Nuances
'Improbable' is more formal than 'unlikely' and is often used in academic or written contexts. It suggests something is possible but with very little chance. Common collocations: 'improbable event', 'seems improbable'. Do not confuse with 'impossible' (which means it can't happen at all).
Spanish: improbable - inverosímilPortuguese (BR): improvávelPortuguese (PT): improvávelChinese (Simplified): 不太可能的 - 不大可能的Chinese (Traditional): 不太可能的 - 不大可能的Hindi: असंभव जैसा - असंभव प्रतीत होने वालाArabic: غير محتمل
Example Sentences
It is improbable that it will snow in the desert.
basic
The story he told sounded improbable.
basic
Winning the lottery is very improbable.
basic
That’s an improbable excuse—you’ll have to try harder next time.
natural
He pulled off an improbable victory against all odds.
natural
Sometimes, life takes the most improbable turns.
natural