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
Also, some firms seem to be absorbing some of their extra costs in lower profit margins rather than passing them on to consumers, but economists and business executives warn this approach is unlikely to last.
—
John Cassidy, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Despite a strong likelihood of clearing the chamber, the bill is unlikely to become law: Democrats have staked opposition to it, arguing the legislation would injure democracy in the U.S. and abroad and hammering away about policy riders included.
—Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 14 July 2025
While complete eradication is unlikely, population control is possible through professional pest management and preventative measures.
—Kim Luciani, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
That is unlikely this year; the 251st pick’s slot value is $215,100, so the redshirt junior will probably not return to the Hurricanes.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
John Cassidy, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Despite a strong likelihood of clearing the chamber, the bill is unlikely to become law: Democrats have staked opposition to it, arguing the legislation would injure democracy in the U.S. and abroad and hammering away about policy riders included.
—Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 14 July 2025
While complete eradication is unlikely, population control is possible through professional pest management and preventative measures.
—Kim Luciani, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
That is unlikely this year; the 251st pick’s slot value is $215,100, so the redshirt junior will probably not return to the Hurricanes.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for unlikely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unlikely
Adjective
-
Moments before the ceremony, her attendance was doubtful.—
Ronda Racha Penrice,
HollywoodReporter,
14 July 2025
-
Some experts are keenly doubtful that those efforts will be fully successful.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
In his regulation dark navy blazer, Prince George is in command, if slightly dubious about the goings on, at the oak desk of the rail.—
Guy Martin,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
The end result is two teams — the White Sox last year, and the Rockies this year — that face an uncomfortable situation of fighting to avoid these dubious marks.—
Sam Blum,
New York Times,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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The worst moment came a few moments later, when Matt Leinart completed an improbable pass on fourth down.—
The Athletic College Football Staff,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
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The latest improbable yet inescapable sequel series premieres 21 years after Dexter first emerged, and like most Floridians who just reached legal drinking age, there’s nothing sober about it.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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With questionable Dolphins secondary, can better pass rush make up for the back end?—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
15 July 2025
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The hardcore wipe in Escape From Tarkov got off to a rough start, with some questionable decisions or simple oversights that really hampered the player experience.—
Mike Stubbs,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unlikely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unlikely. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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