Dictionary
unlikely
adjective un·like·ly \-ˈlī-klē\
: not likely
: not seeming to be right or suited for a purpose
Full Definition of UNLIKELY
1
: not likely : improbable <an unlikely outcome>
2
: likely to fail : unpromising
See unlikely defined for English-language learners
See unlikely defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of UNLIKELY
14th century
Related to UNLIKELY
- Synonyms
- doubtful, dubious, far-fetched, flimsy, questionable, unapt, improbable
UNLIKELY Defined for Kids
unlikely
adjective un·like·ly \ən-ˈlī-klē\
un·like·li·erun·like·li·est
Definition of UNLIKELY for Kids
1
: not likely <an unlikely story>
2
: not promising <This is an unlikely place for fishing.>
Learn More About UNLIKELY
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: unlimberPrevious Word in the Dictionary: unlikelinessAll Words Near: unlikely
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up unlikely? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).