# not likely

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/not-likely
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Absolutely not; under no circumstances; no way.

## Examples

- Will you finish that project today? Not likely.
- I asked my boss for a month off in July, but he said it was not likely.
- Given the current economic instability and the lack of investor interest, a successful launch by the end of the quarter is not likely.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.