looks unlikely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looks unlikely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing doubt or skepticism about the probability of a certain event or outcome occurring. Example: "Given the current circumstances, it looks unlikely that we will meet our deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It looks unlikely.

The Economist

Fortunately, that looks unlikely.

Independent

This, however, looks unlikely.

The New York Times

But that looks unlikely.

The Economist

This looks unlikely.

The Economist

That now looks unlikely.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet this looks unlikely.

The Economist

That already looks unlikely.

The Economist

That looks unlikely.

The Economist

But this looks unlikely.

The Guardian

This now looks unlikely.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "looks unlikely", consider providing a brief explanation as to why the outcome is improbable to enhance clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "looks unlikely" when the outcome is definitively impossible or certain. It's meant to convey improbability, not impossibility. Reserve stronger phrasing for situations with no chance of success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks unlikely" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It expresses a subjective assessment of the probability of a particular event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and wide presence in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looks unlikely" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey doubt or skepticism about a potential outcome. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it as grammatically correct and widely accepted, particularly in news and media contexts. While "seems improbable" or "appears doubtful" serve as more formal alternatives, "looks unlikely" maintains a neutral register suitable for various situations. Remember to use it when expressing a measured degree of doubt, avoiding overstatement when the outcome is definitively impossible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems improbable

Emphasizes a lack of probability based on current evidence; slightly more formal.

appears doubtful

Suggests uncertainty and raises questions about the likelihood of something occurring.

is hardly possible

Indicates a significant challenge or barrier, making the outcome very difficult to achieve.

is not expected

Conveys that something is against current expectations or predictions.

is a long shot

Implies that something is possible but has a very low chance of success; more informal.

faces an uphill battle

Highlights the difficulty and challenges involved in achieving a particular outcome.

is against the odds

Suggests that success is improbable due to unfavorable circumstances or factors.

is questionable

Focuses on the uncertainty and potential issues surrounding a particular situation or outcome.

is remote

Indicates that the possibility is distant and unlikely to materialize.

is pie in the sky

Dismisses something as unrealistic or unattainable; highly informal.

FAQs

How can I use "looks unlikely" in a sentence?

You can use "looks unlikely" to express that something is improbable or doubtful. For example, "Given the current market conditions, a quick recovery "looks unlikely"".

What is a more formal alternative to "looks unlikely"?

A more formal alternative to "looks unlikely" is "seems improbable" or "appears doubtful". These phrases convey a similar meaning but are suitable for professional or academic writing.

Is "looks unlikely" the same as "is impossible"?

No, "looks unlikely" suggests a low probability, while "is impossible" indicates that something cannot happen. "Looks unlikely" implies there is still a slight chance, whereas "is impossible" indicates no chance at all.

What's the difference between ""looks unlikely"" and "seems unlikely"?

The phrases are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. "Seems unlikely" might suggest a slightly stronger degree of certainty compared to "looks unlikely", but the difference is subtle.