extremely improbable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extremely improbable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that is highly unlikely to occur. Example: "Given the current circumstances, it seems extremely improbable that we will meet our deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Independence seemed extremely improbable.

The Economist

That, of course, is extremely improbable.

The Washington Post

Well, that is an extremely improbable sample, but we're at MIT.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Such an acquisition, long after the critical period, would traditionally have been considered extremely improbable.

The New Yorker

Some of the teachings of the defendants, representations, might seem extremely improbable to a great many people.

Cornell University

I've said it's extremely improbable". In an inquest, he points out, suicide has to be proved "beyond reasonable doubt".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

How does a poor kid from Austria become an extremely wealthy and highly improbable success story?

HuffPost

Highly improbable and improbable are awfully hard to quantize.

Cornell University

A slab source is considered highly improbable.

Lithos

This looks highly improbable.

The Guardian - Business

This is highly improbable.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "extremely improbable" when you want to emphasize the low likelihood of an event or situation, conveying a sense that it is highly unlikely to occur.

Common error

Avoid using "extremely improbable" when the situation is simply unlikely, not virtually impossible. Overusing the phrase can weaken its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extremely improbable" functions as an adjectival phrase. It modifies a noun or noun phrase to indicate a very low probability of something occurring. Ludwig examples show it describing events ranging from political outcomes to scientific phenomena.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

24%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "extremely improbable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase to denote a very low likelihood of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It appears most often in news and media, followed by scientific and academic writing. While alternatives such as "highly unlikely" or "very unlikely" exist, "extremely improbable" carries a stronger emphasis. It is important to use it accurately, avoiding overstatement and ensuring it aligns with the context. The phrase's widespread use across diverse sources underscores its versatility and reliability in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly unlikely

Emphasizes unlikelihood, similar to "extremely improbable" but with a slightly less formal tone.

very unlikely

Indicates a low probability, less intense than "extremely improbable".

scarcely possible

Suggests that something is barely within the realm of possibility, implying a high degree of improbability.

remote possibility

Highlights the slight chance of something occurring, emphasizing the distance from certainty.

hardly conceivable

Suggests that something is difficult to imagine or accept as possible, implying improbability.

against all odds

Implies that something is improbable but still achievable, focusing on overcoming challenges.

slim chance

Indicates a small likelihood of success or occurrence, emphasizing the limited probability.

not a snowball's chance in hell

An idiomatic expression indicating virtually no chance of success or occurrence, highly informal.

far-fetched

Describes something as unlikely and difficult to believe, implying a lack of realism or plausibility.

out of the question

Indicates that something is not worth considering because it is impossible or unacceptable, emphasizing its infeasibility.

FAQs

How can I use "extremely improbable" in a sentence?

You can use "extremely improbable" to describe events or situations that have a very low chance of occurring. For example: "It is "extremely improbable" that the team will win given their current performance."

What are some alternatives to "extremely improbable"?

Some alternatives include "highly unlikely", "very unlikely", and "scarcely possible". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "extremely improbable"?

While "improbable" already suggests a low likelihood, adding "extremely" intensifies the degree of unlikelihood. The redundancy is minimal and acceptable when you want to emphasize the rarity of an event.

When should I use "extremely improbable" versus "impossible"?

"Extremely improbable" suggests a very low chance but not absolute certainty that something won't happen. "Impossible" means there is no chance whatsoever. Use "extremely improbable" when there's a theoretical, however minuscule, possibility, and "impossible" when there's absolutely no chance.