unlikely
adjective
un·like·ly
ˌən-ˈlī-klē 
1
: not likely : improbable
an unlikely outcome
2
: likely to fail : unpromising
an unlikely place to see much wildlife
Examples of unlikely in a Sentence
He was an unlikely candidate for the position.
A big city seems like an unlikely place to find wildlife.
I received support from an unlikely ally.
Recent Examples on the Web
Unless the settlement fund is established and distributes payments, that scenario is unlikely.
—
Iris Kwok,
Los Angeles Times,
1 July 2026
The two housekeepers denied having such a conversation with Brown, noting language differences would have made such a discussion unlikely.
—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
1 July 2026
An unlikely combination of right-hander Gavin Hollowell, lefty Caleb Thielbar and right-hander Trent Thornton kept the Padres off the board over the final 2 2/3 innings to keep the game tied for the Cubs’ offense.
—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
30 June 2026
Like a modern Odysseus, they are beset by fate to wander and suffer, but the gods will always intercede to help them out with a convenient flood or unlikely coincidence.
—
Literary Hub,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Iris Kwok,
Los Angeles Times,
1 July 2026
The two housekeepers denied having such a conversation with Brown, noting language differences would have made such a discussion unlikely.
—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
1 July 2026
An unlikely combination of right-hander Gavin Hollowell, lefty Caleb Thielbar and right-hander Trent Thornton kept the Padres off the board over the final 2 2/3 innings to keep the game tied for the Cubs’ offense.
—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
30 June 2026
Like a modern Odysseus, they are beset by fate to wander and suffer, but the gods will always intercede to help them out with a convenient flood or unlikely coincidence.
—
Literary Hub,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Cite this Entry
“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlikely. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unlikely
adjective
un·like·ly
ˌən-ˈlī-klē
ˈən-
1
: not likely : improbable
an unlikely story
2
: likely to fail : unpromising
an unlikely place for fishing
unlikeliness
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
