# improbable

/ˌɪmˈpɹɑbəbəɫ/ (US) · /ɪmpɹˈɒbəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/improbable
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

not likely to happen or be true. You use this when something is possible but very surprising or hard to believe.

For teachers: unlikely to occur or be true; lacking a high degree of probability. Often used to describe events or explanations that seem far-fetched despite being possible.

## Examples

- It is highly improbable that it will snow in July.
- The detective found the suspect's story highly improbable, as it relied on too many coincidences.
- The team's victory was an improbable outcome given their significant injuries and the strength of the opposing side, yet they managed a narrow win in the final minutes.

## Usage notes

- Often modified by degree adverbs like 'highly', 'extremely', or 'utterly'.

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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.