unlikely
adjective
un·like·ly
ˌən-ˈlī-klē 
1
: not likely : improbable
an unlikely outcome
2
: likely to fail : unpromising
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
His deal also underscored an unlikely source of strength for a franchise in transition: stability.
—
Tyler Kepner, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
Hocevar wrecked regular-season series champion Corey Heim in the 2023 Truck Series finale at Phoenix, when another crash ended up collecting fellow contender Grant Enfinger, leading to Ben Rhodes’ unlikely second career title.
—Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2025
The results spell an unlikely third-act triumph for the 69-year-old, who just seven years ago was seen as a failed politician fully reconciled to ending his career as a wealthy lobbyist and member of numerous company boards.
—Thomas Escritt, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025
Investors in the German automotive industry can relax as Sunday’s general election produced a result unlikely to frighten the horses.
—Neil Winton, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
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Tyler Kepner, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
Hocevar wrecked regular-season series champion Corey Heim in the 2023 Truck Series finale at Phoenix, when another crash ended up collecting fellow contender Grant Enfinger, leading to Ben Rhodes’ unlikely second career title.
—Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2025
The results spell an unlikely third-act triumph for the 69-year-old, who just seven years ago was seen as a failed politician fully reconciled to ending his career as a wealthy lobbyist and member of numerous company boards.
—Thomas Escritt, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025
Investors in the German automotive industry can relax as Sunday’s general election produced a result unlikely to frighten the horses.
—Neil Winton, Forbes, 24 Feb. 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 27 Feb. 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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