unlikely
word
/ənˈɫaɪkɫi/
un-LYK-lee
/ʌnlˈaɪkli/
un-LYK-lee
Definition
Not expected to happen or not probable; it probably will not happen or is not true.
Usage & Nuances
'Unlikely' is used to express doubt or low probability about actions, events, or facts. Common after 'it is' ("It is unlikely that...") or before a noun. Can sound neutral or polite (softer than 'impossible'). Do not confuse with 'improbable' (formally similar).
Spanish: improbable - poco probablePortuguese (BR): improvávelPortuguese (PT): improvávelChinese (Simplified): 不太可能 - 未必Chinese (Traditional): 不太可能 - 未必Hindi: असंभव - संभावना नहींArabic: غير محتملBengali: অসম্ভব - অকম্যRussian: маловероятныйJapanese: ありそうにないVietnamese: không có khả năng - khó xảy raKorean: 가능성이 낮은 - 있을 것 같지 않은Turkish: olası olmayanUrdu: غیر محتملIndonesian: tidak mungkin - kecil kemungkinannya
Example Sentences
It is unlikely to rain today.
basic
Winning the lottery is very unlikely.
basic
He is unlikely to come to the party.
basic
"That’s pretty unlikely, don’t you think?"
natural
It sounds unlikely, but it's true.
natural
She made an unlikely friend on her journey.
natural