improbable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "improbable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unlikely to happen or not probable. Example: "Given the circumstances, it seems improbable that we will finish the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

GUIZHOU province, in China's south-west, is a stunning high country of improbable karst formations, improbably poor.

The Economist

But that is improbable.

The Economist

It seems improbable that they will simply vanish (the way a bank like IndyMac did), because the government won't allow it.

The Economist

And it is the Saudis who now, in improbable alliance with Binyamin Netanyahu's Israel, lobby most forcefully against any American nuclear deal, or broader western rapprochement, with Shia Iran, their sworn enemy.

The Guardian

That policy nearly worked, too, as they came close to an improbable run chase in the fourth innings of the match.

The Guardian - Sport

It seems improbable that it really wants to start another on this scale.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet in a finish as wild as it was improbable, the US pulled off their first ever win over Holland.

The Guardian - Sport

At the midpoint in the campaign, with three weeks gone and three weeks to go, the two favourites – though that's an improbable way to describe politicians in the current era – are still neck and neck.

The Guardian - Opinion

Pietersen's improbable hopes of reviving an impressive Test career which has brought him 23 hundreds were encouraged this month when the new England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Colin Graves hinted that impressive first-class performances with a county could provide him with the pathway he needs.

The Guardian - Sport

During his brief tenure in the job, George Entwistle had already begun to dismember the bloated structure installed by John Birt, the improbable beneficiary of the Mendips camorra of William Rees-Mogg and Marmaduke Hussey (those are the truly guilty men).

The Guardian - Opinion

Afghanistan's mission improbable began with a degree of relative promise but wickets soon began to fall.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "improbable", consider the degree of unlikelihood you wish to convey. Synonyms like "unlikely" or "doubtful" might be more appropriate depending on the context. Pay attention to the tone and ensure it aligns with the message.

Common error

Avoid using "improbable" when something is completely impossible. "Improbable" suggests a low probability, not a zero probability. For situations with zero chance of occurring, consider using words like "impossible" or "unfeasible".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "improbable" primarily functions to qualify a noun, indicating that the noun's associated event, condition, or characteristic is unlikely to occur or be true. Ludwig examples highlight its use in describing scenarios ranging from sports outcomes to political situations, always underscoring a low probability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "improbable" signifies something unlikely, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically sound and frequently appears in news and media contexts. While "improbable" suggests a low chance, it doesn't equate to impossibility, distinguishing it from terms like "impossible". Synonyms like "unlikely" and "doubtful" offer nuanced alternatives for expressing varying degrees of skepticism. When incorporating "improbable" into your writing, maintain clarity and ensure the context aligns with the intended message of unlikelihood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unlikely

Focuses more directly on the lack of likelihood.

doubtful

Emphasizes uncertainty and skepticism.

questionable

Suggests uncertainty and raises doubts about the truth or validity.

dubious

Highlights the element of suspicion or mistrust.

far-fetched

Implies a stretch of the imagination is required to believe it.

implausible

Stresses that something is not believable or realistic.

unconvincing

Indicates a lack of persuasiveness.

remote

Indicates a very small chance of occurring.

slight chance

Directly refers to the small possibility of something happening.

not a snowball's chance in hell

An idiomatic expression emphasizing extreme improbability.

FAQs

How can I use "improbable" in a sentence?

You can use "improbable" to describe something that is unlikely to happen or be true. For instance, "It's improbable that the team will win the championship this year".

What's a good alternative to "improbable"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "unlikely", "doubtful", or "questionable".

What's the difference between "improbable" and "impossible"?

"Improbable" means something is unlikely to happen, while "impossible" means it cannot happen. "An improbable event" could still occur, while "an impossible event" cannot.

Is it grammatically correct to say "highly improbable"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Using "highly" before "improbable" emphasizes the low likelihood of something occurring. For example, "It is highly improbable that the company will meet its sales targets this quarter".