unlikely

UK: ʌnˈlaɪkli | US: ʌnˈlaɪkli

Definition

  1. adj. not probable or expected to happen

  2. adj. not seeming to be true or credible

Structure
un <not>likely <probable>
Etymology

The word "unlikely" combines the negative prefix "un-" with "likely," which originally meant "having the appearance of truth" in Middle English. Over time, "likely" shifted to emphasize probability, while "un-" consistently negates the root. The pairing reflects a logical progression from "not similar to truth" to "improbable."

Examples

  1. It's unlikely to rain today according to the forecast.

  2. Her explanation seemed unlikely given the evidence.

  3. He made an unlikely comeback in the final minutes of the game.

  4. The team’s victory was considered unlikely by most analysts.

  5. An unlikely friendship formed between the two rivals.