unlikely

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "unlikely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is not probable or expected to happen. Example Sentence: It is unlikely that she will be ready in time for the presentation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It seems unlikely.

The New York Times - Sports

That seems unlikely.

The New York Times - Sports

But that seems unlikely.

The New York Times

This seems unlikely.

The New York Times

But that is unlikely.

The Economist

This is unlikely to happen.

The New York Times

In the unlikely event we have to replace a tutor, we shall make every effort to ensure the replacement tutor has similar expertise to the one advertised.

The Guardian

That remains unlikely.

The Economist

That is unlikely to happen.

The New York Times

She said the existing system made it unlikely that an immigration overhaul could unleash a new wave of illegal migration, like the surge since the amnesty of 1986.

The New York Times

That now seems unlikely.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unlikely" to express that an event or outcome is improbable but not impossible. Consider the context to choose the most appropriate synonym for nuanced meaning.

Common error

While "unlikely" is acceptable in most contexts, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Diversify your vocabulary by using synonyms like "improbable" or "doubtful" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The word "unlikely" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a low probability or expectation of something occurring. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, providing numerous examples in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Sport

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unlikely" is a versatile adjective used to express that something is improbable. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, remember that, while common, overuse can lead to repetitiveness, so consider using synonyms like "improbable" or "doubtful" for variety. While "unlikely" suggests a low probability, it's essential to differentiate it from "impossible", which denotes certainty that the event will not occur. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "unlikely" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not likely

A more direct and simple way of expressing the same idea.

improbable

Similar in meaning, but may suggest a slightly lower probability.

doubtful

Focuses more on the speaker's uncertainty about the outcome.

questionable

Suggests that something may not happen due to moral or ethical reasons.

remote

Indicates a very small chance of happening.

slim chance

Emphasizes the low probability of success or occurrence.

hardly possible

Highlights the difficulty in achieving a certain outcome.

scarcely imaginable

Indicates that something is difficult to conceive or believe.

against the odds

Suggests that something is improbable but still achievable with effort.

unforeseeable

Implies that an event was impossible to predict or anticipate.

FAQs

How can I use "unlikely" in a sentence?

You can use "unlikely" to describe an event that probably won't occur, such as: "It's "unlikely" that it will rain today."

What are some alternatives to saying "unlikely"?

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

Is there a difference between "unlikely" and "impossible"?

"Unlikely" suggests a low probability, while "impossible" means something cannot happen. The former leaves room for the event to occur, while the latter doesn't.

Which is correct: "It is unlikely" or "It's unlikely"?

Both "It is unlikely" and "It's unlikely" are grammatically correct. The contracted form, "It's unlikely", is more common in informal writing and speech.