unlikely
/ʌnˈlʌɪkli
/adjective (unlikelier, unlikeliest)
Not likely to happen, be done, or be true; improbable: an unlikely explanation it is unlikely that they will ever be used [with infinitive]: prices are unlikely to change...
- This fact reveals why it is unlikely that true memory could have evolved in plants.
- Cunnah is unlikely to let something like a labour dispute distract him from the job in hand.
- It is possible but highly unlikely that he could compel his victim to attend the trial.
Synonyms
improbable, not likely, doubtful, dubious, unexpected, beyond belief, implausible
implausible, improbable, questionable, unconvincing, remote, far-fetched, strained, laboured, unrealistic, incredible, unbelievable, inconceivable, unimaginable, fantastic, fabulous, fanciful, ridiculous, absurd, preposterous
informal tall, cock and bull, hard to swallow/take
Derivatives
unlikelihood
/ noun ...- There's also a mounting seriousness of tone that doesn't sit entirely well with the plot's concatenation of coincidences and unlikelihoods.
- ‘Given the unlikelihood of my resuming on the bench, I decided that it would be appropriate that I should tender my resignation,’ he said.
- In view of the unlikelihood of a regional airline coming into existence, the minister gave the assurance that the Government was obliged to keep BWIA flying but with significant restructuring.
unlikeliness
- I know of an example of this happening in life (the older mother getting off with the daughter's bit-of-rough boyfriend), but the casting here (Daniel Craig and Anne Reid - both marvellous) tended to emphasise its unlikeliness.
- Despite the unlikeliness of the heroes it doesn't contain a nuance of irony (which is perhaps why Kurt Russell as Brooks can wear plaid jackets without looking retro, much less cheesy.)
- But if you think about it, the story's unlikeliness is pretty apparent.