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REFERENCE

unlikely

adj. · adv. · n.
US //ənˈɫaɪkɫi// UK //ʌnlˈaɪkli// un·like·ly
  1. 1 improbable (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    not likely to happen or be true.

    not likely to occur, exist, or be true; having a low probability.

    Example

    It is unlikely that the weather will improve before the weekend.

    Example

    Given the current economic climate, it seems highly unlikely that the central bank will consider lowering interest rates before the next quarter.

    Usage

    Often used in the pattern 'it is unlikely that' or 'subject + is unlikely to'.
    Pitfall
    It is unlikely for him to come.
    It is unlikely that he will come.

    While 'unlikely to' is common with a person as the subject, when using 'it is unlikely', follow it with a 'that' clause rather than a 'for...to' construction.

  2. 2 unpromising (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    not looking like it will be successful.

    not holding out a prospect of success; unpromising or unlikely to result in a positive outcome.

    Example

    The team made an unlikely start to the season but eventually won the cup.

    Example

    Despite such an unlikely beginning in a cramped basement office, the startup eventually transformed into a global market leader.

    Teacher's tip

    In this sense, the word often describes a person or situation that succeeds despite having poor initial prospects.
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  1. 3 improbably (adv.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal

    in a way that is not likely.

    in an improbable or unlikely manner.

    Example

    The story ended quite unlikely, with everyone becoming friends.

    Example

    The events unfolded most unlikely, defying the predictions of every political analyst in the country.

    Usage

    Rarely used as an adverb in modern English; 'improbably' is much more common.
    • improbably
  2. 4 an improbable thing (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary

    a person or thing that is not expected to succeed or happen.

    an entity, person, or event considered to have a low probability of occurrence or success.

    Example

    He was an unlikely among the candidates for the promotion.

    Example

    In the realm of professional sports, she remained the ultimate unlikely, a player whose physical stature suggested she could never compete at the highest level.
    • long shot
Origin

From Middle English unlykely, unlikly, unlykly, unlicli, equivalent to un- + likely.

Word family

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