least likely

USAGE SUMMARY

"least likely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the fact that something is unlikely to happen or is not probable. For example, "Out of all the options, this choice is the least likely to succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Least likely to: Sound sour like Marmite.

The Guardian - Music

Least likely to: Be catty.

The Guardian - Music

Least likely to: Commit murder.

The Guardian - Music

Least likely to: Shriek.

The Guardian - Music

Least likely to: Confuse.

The Guardian - Music

Least likely to: Stop!

The Guardian - Music

Least likely to: Surrender.

The Guardian - Music

Least likely to: Bust.

The Guardian - Music

Least likely to: Bomb.

The Guardian - Music

Least Likely to Blow?

The New Yorker

Least likely to: Taunt.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "least likely" to express the comparative degree of improbability when comparing multiple options or scenarios. For example, 'Among the proposed solutions, this one is the "least likely" to succeed.'

Common error

Avoid using "least likely" when there is no explicit or implicit comparison. Instead of saying 'This event is "least likely"', specify what it is less likely than, or use a more direct term like 'unlikely'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least likely" functions as a superlative adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate the lowest probability among several possibilities. As Ludwig indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "least likely" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote the lowest probability among several options. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use, primarily in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's essential to use "least likely" in comparative contexts to avoid misuse. Alternatives like "most improbable" or "remotest possibility" can add nuance, but "least likely" remains a clear and effective choice for expressing relative improbability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unlikeliest scenario

Shifts focus to the scenario, emphasizing its improbability.

most improbable

Replaces 'likely' with 'improbable', emphasizing a lack of probability.

minimal possibility

Emphasizes the small degree of possibility.

scarcely possible

Emphasizes the difficulty or challenge for something to occur.

remotest possibility

Focuses on the extreme unlikelihood by highlighting the 'remotest' chance.

hardly any prospect

Highlights the lack of expectation or anticipation.

slightest chance

Indicates a very low probability or possibility.

far-fetched

Describes something improbable due to its lack of realism or credibility.

not a prayer

An informal expression indicating zero chance or hope.

out of the question

Indicates something is completely impossible or unacceptable.

FAQs

How can I use "least likely" in a sentence?

You can use "least likely" to indicate that something has the smallest chance of occurring compared to other possibilities. For example, "This option is the "least likely" to cause problems".

What's a good alternative to "least likely"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "most improbable", "remotest possibility", or "unlikeliest scenario" as alternatives to "least likely".

Is it correct to say "less likely" instead of "least likely"?

"Less likely" is used to compare two possibilities, while "least likely" is used when comparing three or more. If you're only comparing two options, "less likely" is more appropriate. If there are several, "least likely" is correct.

What's the difference between "unlikely" and "least likely"?

"Unlikely" suggests something probably won't happen. "Least likely" compares multiple options, indicating one is the most improbable among them. For example, while all outcomes might be "unlikely", one stands out as the "least likely".