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
Filled with gorgeous, entrancing cinematography, this true story of an unlikely friendship inspires wonder about the natural world and our place in it.
—
Andrew Walsh, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Dec. 2025
The Fed has signaled that its late-2025 cuts may represent the bottom of its current easing cycle, and most forecasts suggest rate hikes in 2026 are unlikely unless inflation unexpectedly rebounds.
—Brendan Dyer, CBS News, 29 Dec. 2025
Michael said the leadership race is unlikely to alter Hamas’s already dangerous course.
—Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 29 Dec. 2025
The deep blue seat would be highly unlikely to flip to Republicans in 2026.
—Garrett Downs, CNBC, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
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Andrew Walsh, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Dec. 2025
The Fed has signaled that its late-2025 cuts may represent the bottom of its current easing cycle, and most forecasts suggest rate hikes in 2026 are unlikely unless inflation unexpectedly rebounds.
—Brendan Dyer, CBS News, 29 Dec. 2025
Michael said the leadership race is unlikely to alter Hamas’s already dangerous course.
—Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 29 Dec. 2025
The deep blue seat would be highly unlikely to flip to Republicans in 2026.
—Garrett Downs, CNBC, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Cite this Entry
“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlikely. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
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
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