unlikely
- 01 B1 Intermediate
adj.not likely to happen or be true.
adj.not likely to occur, exist, or be true; having a low probability.
Simple“It is unlikely that the weather will improve before the weekend.”
In context“Given the current economic climate, it seems highly unlikely that the central bank will consider lowering interest rates before the next quarter.”
UsageOften used in the pattern 'it is unlikely that' or 'subject + is unlikely to'.
PitfallIt 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.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.not looking like it will be successful.
adj.not holding out a prospect of success; unpromising or unlikely to result in a positive outcome.
Simple“The team made an unlikely start to the season but eventually won the cup.”
In context“Despite such an unlikely beginning in a cramped basement office, the startup eventually transformed into a global market leader.”
Teacher's tipIn this sense, the word often describes a person or situation that succeeds despite having poor initial prospects.
Synonymsunpromisingunfavourable - 03 C2 Proficiency
adv.in a way that is not likely.
adv.in an improbable or unlikely manner.
Simple“The story ended quite unlikely, with everyone becoming friends.”
In context“The events unfolded most unlikely, defying the predictions of every political analyst in the country.”
UsageRarely used as an adverb in modern English; 'improbably' is much more common.
SynonymsimprobablyAntonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
n.a person or thing that is not expected to succeed or happen.
n.an entity, person, or event considered to have a low probability of occurrence or success.
Simple“He was an unlikely among the candidates for the promotion.”
In context“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.”
unlikely vs unlike — Unlike compares two different things, while unlikely describes a low probability.
From Middle English unlykely, unlikly, unlykly, unlicli, equivalent to un- + likely.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.