is unlikely

USAGE SUMMARY

"is unlikely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is not probable, or not expected to happen. For example: "Given the current circumstances, it is unlikely that the project will be completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sadly, reform is unlikely.

The Economist

Total evacuation is unlikely.

The Economist

It is unlikely.

The Economist

Impeachment is unlikely.

The Economist

A suspension is unlikely.

Independent

This is unlikely.

The New York Times

Yet that is unlikely.

The Economist

A win is unlikely.

The Economist

Actually, that is unlikely.

The Economist

Disaster is unlikely.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"But it's unlikely".

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is unlikely", ensure that the context clearly indicates what outcome is being assessed for probability. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the conditions or factors influencing the unlikelihood.

Common error

Avoid using "is unlikely" when a situation is clearly impossible or certain. "Is unlikely" implies a chance, however small, whereas other phrases such as "is impossible" or "will never happen" may be more appropriate for definitive statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unlikely" functions as a predicative adjective, modifying a subject to indicate a low probability of a particular outcome or event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples from Ludwig show it used across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is unlikely" is a versatile phrase used to express a low probability or expectation of something occurring. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news reporting and academic writing to casual conversation. While alternatives like "is improbable" or "is doubtful" exist, "is unlikely" offers a balanced tone suitable for most situations. Keep in mind the importance of clear context and the risk of overstating unlikelihood, choosing stronger alternatives when events are truly impossible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is improbable

Replaces 'unlikely' with a synonym, suggesting a low probability but maintaining a formal tone.

is doubtful

Emphasizes uncertainty and skepticism regarding a particular outcome.

is questionable

Highlights that something is open to doubt or debate, suggesting a low chance of occurring as expected.

has a low probability

Replaces the adjective with a noun phrase explicitly stating the chance of something happening.

is not expected

Focuses on the lack of anticipation or expectation for something to occur.

is a long shot

Indicates that success is possible but highly improbable.

is against the odds

Suggests that prevailing circumstances or factors reduce the likelihood of success.

is not in the cards

An idiomatic expression implying that something is not destined or meant to happen.

is a remote possibility

Underlines the slight chance that something might happen, although it's highly improbable.

is a slim chance

Similar to 'remote possibility', this emphasizes the very small chance of success or occurrence.

FAQs

How to use "is unlikely" in a sentence?

Use "is unlikely" to express that something has a low probability of happening. For example, "Given the economic downturn, it "is unlikely" that the company will see profits this year."

What can I say instead of "is unlikely"?

You can use alternatives like "is improbable", "is doubtful", or "is questionable" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

Which is correct, "is unlikely" or "is not likely"?

"Is unlikely" and "is not likely" are both grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. However, "is unlikely" is often considered more concise and stylistically preferred in formal writing.

What's the difference between "is unlikely" and "is impossible"?

"Is unlikely" suggests a low probability but acknowledges a possibility, while "is impossible" indicates that something cannot occur under any circumstances. "It "is unlikely" to rain today" means there's a small chance of rain, whereas "It "is impossible" to breathe in a vacuum" means it's physically not possible.