it is extremely unlikely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is extremely unlikely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a low probability of an event occurring or a situation happening. Example: "Given the current circumstances, it is extremely unlikely that we will meet our deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Without tougher targets, "it is extremely unlikely that the goal of holding warming below 2 degrees C can still be reached," a UN report says.

Yale University

But given the thermodynamics," McEwenadded, "it is extremely unlikely except, maybe, for the RSL.

Huffington Post

But unlike record-breaking gold, it is extremely unlikely to surpass its peak of 1980.

The Economist

So it is extremely unlikely".

Independent

It is extremely unlikely that it will ever be profitable.

The Guardian - Tech

Put your fears to rest about dying from not using the toilet — it is extremely unlikely!

Columbia University

"It is extremely unlikely Obama will change the policy in an election year," LeoGrande told me.

The New Yorker

It is extremely unlikely that one side will convince the other, or the country.

The New York Times

They now think it is extremely unlikely to hit the planet.

The Economist

It's not impossible to move up, but it is extremely unlikely.

The Telegraph

"It is extremely unlikely that lava will resume activity within Pu'u 'O'o," the bulletin said.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "extremely" with other adverbs like "highly", "very", or "quite" to adjust the degree of certainty or emphasis on the unlikelihood.

Common error

Avoid using "it is extremely unlikely" when a situation is impossible or certain not to happen. This phrase implies a small chance, not a certainty.

Linguistic Context

It is extremely unlikely functions as an adverbial phrase expressing a low probability or strong disbelief in a potential outcome. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability, demonstrating its role in conveying uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

22%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

It is extremely unlikely is a versatile phrase used to express a strong sense of improbability across various contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely employed in both formal and informal settings. Its prevalence in news media, academic papers, and scientific publications indicates its utility in conveying carefully considered judgments about future events. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear and the level of certainty matches the situation, and that's why it is important to use alternatives when appropriate. By understanding its function and register, writers can effectively communicate doubt or skepticism in a nuanced and credible manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is highly improbable

Replaces "extremely" with "highly", slightly altering the intensity of improbability.

it is very improbable

Replaces "extremely" with "very", decreasing the emphasis on the unlikelihood.

it is highly doubtful

Substitutes "unlikely" with "doubtful", focusing on the uncertainty of an event.

it is very doubtful

Replaces "unlikely" with "doubtful" and "extremely" with "very", softening the assertion.

it is quite unlikely

Replaces "extremely" with "quite", indicating a noticeable degree of unlikelihood.

it is improbable

Omits "extremely", presenting a more direct statement of improbability.

it is not likely

Uses a more straightforward and less emphatic way to express unlikelihood.

chances are slim

Employs an idiomatic expression to convey a low probability of success.

it's a long shot

Uses a metaphorical phrase to suggest a low probability of success or occurrence.

the odds are against it

Emphasizes that external factors or circumstances make the event less likely.

FAQs

How can I use "it is extremely unlikely" in a sentence?

Use "it is extremely unlikely" to express a strong belief that something probably won't happen. For instance, "Given the current economic climate, "it is extremely unlikely" that interest rates will rise this year".

What are some alternatives to "it is extremely unlikely"?

You can use alternatives such as "it is highly improbable", "it is very doubtful", or "chances are slim" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "it is extremely unlikable"?

No, "it is extremely unlikable" is grammatically incorrect. "Unlikable" describes a quality of a person or thing, whereas "unlikely" refers to the probability of an event. You would say, "It is extremely unlikely that he will win".

What is the difference between "it is unlikely" and "it is extremely unlikely"?

"It is unlikely" suggests a low probability, while ""it is extremely unlikely"" implies a significantly lower probability. The latter is a stronger statement of improbability.