distinctly unlikely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinctly unlikely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is very improbable or not expected to happen. Example: "Given the circumstances, it seems distinctly unlikely that we will meet our deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Such an outcome looks distinctly unlikely.

The Guardian - Film

A Lindsay Lohan-style post-teens breakdown seems distinctly unlikely.

Independent

They're introducing a seasonal show, "There's a Stranger in the Manger," that is distinctly unlikely to show any reverence.

The New York Times

This evidence points to a clear conclusion: a sudden collapse in Ukip support of the kind seen in 2005 and 2010 is distinctly unlikely.

The Guardian - Opinion

Floyd Mayweather took a moment on Wednesday to mock Conor McGregor – even though the prospect of a fight between the two stars seems distinctly unlikely.

The Guardian - Sport

This is an important distinction, as the volatile nature of its support means a protest party is distinctly unlikely to sustain a major challenge to the dominant parties.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The office of the department's Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence, where I spoke with David Cohen, is in an unlikely, distinctly hip corner of southern Manhattan.

The New Yorker

Quickly scanning the inside of the car, there was smoke coming from the dashboard vents and I momentarily thought about an explosion – but I distinctly thought that seemed unlikely, given that the car engine was lying in the grass 20 feet away.

Huffington Post

Although the different conformation of the Gln271 side chain is a potentially interesting finding, currently, it cannot be conclusively determined whether this is functionally relevant because of the limited resolution of 1.9 Å [5] in the ASIC1 crystal structure at which N and O atoms are unlikely to be distinctly distinguished.

Plosone

Art should include the alien, the weirdly individual — it ought to confront us with strangers' visions that are distinctly not our own (and are unlikely to be improved by inserting our faces for a selfie).

The New Yorker

Mr. Obama seems likely to pick moderate justices, who would probably not take the court back onto a distinctly liberal path, but also would be unlikely to create an unbreakable conservative bloc.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distinctly unlikely" to convey a strong sense of improbability. It is more emphatic than simply saying "unlikely".

Common error

While "distinctly unlikely" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "not a chance" or "highly doubtful" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinctly unlikely" functions as an adverbial modifier intensifying the adjective "unlikely". It indicates a strong degree of improbability. Ludwig AI examples show it modifying events or outcomes to express a low probability of them occurring.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distinctly unlikely" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a strong sense of improbability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in formal and informal contexts. While alternatives like "highly improbable" or "very doubtful" exist, "distinctly unlikely" provides a more emphatic tone. It is most frequently found in news and media, and it's best practice to avoid overusing it in casual speech due to its slightly formal nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly improbable

Emphasizes a low probability of occurrence.

very improbable

Similar to "highly improbable" but with a slightly less formal tone.

extremely doubtful

Highlights the lack of certainty or belief in something happening.

virtually impossible

Suggests that something is so unlikely it is almost not possible.

scarcely conceivable

Implies that something is difficult to imagine or believe.

hardly likely

Indicates a low expectation of something occurring.

not a chance

An informal way to express that something is definitely not going to happen.

against the odds

Suggests that something is unlikely but not impossible, often implying that success would be surprising.

unforeseeable

Highlights that it was not possible to predict something beforehand.

remote possibility

Indicates a very small chance of something happening.

FAQs

What does "distinctly unlikely" mean?

The phrase "distinctly unlikely" means highly improbable or very doubtful. It suggests that something is not expected to happen.

How can I use "distinctly unlikely" in a sentence?

You can use "distinctly unlikely" to express that an event or situation is improbable. For example: "Given the current circumstances, it is "distinctly unlikely" that we will meet our deadline."

What are some alternatives to "distinctly unlikely"?

Alternatives to "distinctly unlikely" include "highly improbable", "very doubtful", or "virtually impossible" depending on the context.

Is "distinctly unlikely" formal or informal?

"Distinctly unlikely" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal settings, you might prefer phrases like "not a chance" or "highly doubtful".