as in doubtful
not likely to be true or to occur
in the unlikely event that the file is deleted or corrupted, you will want to have backup copies available
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Recent Examples of unlikely
Even Loeb admits that 3I/ATLAS being alien technology is unlikely.
—
Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 30 July 2025
So many kids under age 13 already have phones, and this study is unlikely to result in parents taking their devices away, no matter how upsetting the findings may be.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 30 July 2025
The success of Trump’s policies ultimately depends on whether everyday Americans become wealthier and factory towns experience revivals, a goal outside economists say his Republican administration is unlikely to meet with tariffs.
—Paul Wiseman, Chicago Tribune, 29 July 2025
These factors are unlikely to be enough to push the FOMC to cut.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 30 July 2025
So many kids under age 13 already have phones, and this study is unlikely to result in parents taking their devices away, no matter how upsetting the findings may be.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 30 July 2025
The success of Trump’s policies ultimately depends on whether everyday Americans become wealthier and factory towns experience revivals, a goal outside economists say his Republican administration is unlikely to meet with tariffs.
—Paul Wiseman, Chicago Tribune, 29 July 2025
These factors are unlikely to be enough to push the FOMC to cut.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlikely
Adjective
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That chain of events is doubtful since Verstappen backed Horner in the media days before the firing.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
-
Moments before the ceremony, her attendance was doubtful.—
Ronda Racha Penrice,
HollywoodReporter,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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But experts tell Fortune these employment disclosures are ethically dubious and have potential for legislative pushback.—
Nino Paoli,
Fortune,
25 July 2025
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The threat is unwarranted, the arguments are dubious, and the filing is remarkably short-sighted for any holder of a public media license.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
Bitcoin Has Officially Entered The Chat From memes to mortgages, Bitcoin has entered the mainstream in ways that once seemed improbable.—
Becca Bratcher,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
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Private equity is known for its sharp elbows and ruthless dealmaking, so the cohort of decades-long friends running Ares seems improbable.—
Leo Schwartz,
Fortune,
21 July 2025
Adjective
-
Radically Simplify Recruitment & Marketing The vast machinery of admissions – glossy brochures, armies of recruiters crisscrossing the country, sophisticated enrollment management systems – consumes enormous resources with questionable ROI.—
Scott White,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
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And Manu Garcia was added to the injury list as questionable late in the week, as well.—
Daniel Sperry,
Kansas City Star,
27 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlikely. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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