unlikely to materialize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unlikely to materialize" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe something that is not likely to happen or come into existence. Example: Despite their efforts, the team's plans for expansion are unlikely to materialize due to financial constraints.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

American support for such weapons transfers is unlikely to materialize any time soon.

The New York Times

It looks magical, slightly unreal, unlikely to materialize into an actual manifestation.

The New York Times - Travel

One good week on the greens could change that, but that seems unlikely to materialize.

The New Yorker

And for the time being, it seems a goal unlikely to materialize.

The New York Times

Their appearance is our first clue that the leafy green serenity suggested by the film's title is unlikely to materialize.

The New York Times

With a criminal case unlikely to materialize, the anger over the collapse of MF Global is likely to grow.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

It sounds like the sort of airy, ambitious goal that is greeted by standing ovations but is ultimately unlikely to ever materialize.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it would be able to recognize further state reimbursements as new money only if the debts were so old, or considered so unlikely to ever materialize, that they were written off the city's books and chalked up as losses.

The New York Times

This seems unlikely to happen.

The Economist

This looks unlikely to happen.

The Economist

But he's also something of a wizard, with an uncanny ability to materialize whenever Wylie needs help — even in Alaska, just one of the unlikely places this loose-limbed narrative takes him.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unlikely to materialize", ensure the context clearly establishes what specific outcome or event is being deemed improbable. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "unlikely to materialize" when the outcome is definitively impossible; the phrase implies a degree of possibility, however small. In cases of impossibility, opt for phrases like "cannot happen" or "will never occur".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unlikely to materialize" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an implied noun (such as 'plan', 'outcome', or 'event'). It expresses a prediction or assessment about the probability of something becoming a reality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unlikely to materialize" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that conveys doubt or skepticism about a future event or plan. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to express a low probability of something becoming a reality. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, it's crucial to establish a clear context to avoid ambiguity and to differentiate between something unlikely versus something definitively impossible. Alternatives such as "improbable to occur" and "not expected to happen" offer similar meanings with varying degrees of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

improbable to occur

Replaces "materialize" with "occur", focusing on the low probability of something happening.

not likely to come about

Replaces "materialize" with "come about", indicating a low probability of occurrence.

not expected to happen

Simplifies the phrase to express a lack of expectation for an event.

unlikely prospect

Simplifies the phrase by using a noun to describe the low probability.

slim chance of realization

Emphasizes the minimal possibility of something becoming real.

remote possibility of occurring

Highlights the distant chance of an event taking place.

doubtful to come to pass

Uses a more formal tone to express skepticism about an event happening.

unforeseen to develop

Focuses on the unexpected nature of something not developing.

not on the horizon

Uses a metaphorical expression to suggest something is not imminent or probable.

unrealistic expectation

Shifts the focus to the expectation itself being unrealistic, implying it won't be met.

FAQs

How can I use "unlikely to materialize" in a sentence?

You can use "unlikely to materialize" to describe plans, ideas, or events that have a low probability of happening. For example: "The proposed funding for the project is "unlikely to materialize" due to budget cuts."

What is a good alternative to "unlikely to materialize"?

Alternatives include "improbable to occur", "not expected to happen", or "slim chance of realization", depending on the desired nuance and formality.

Is it better to say "unlikely to materialize" or "unlikely to happen"?

"Unlikely to happen" is simpler and more direct. "Unlikely to materialize" is more formal and suggests that something abstract or planned is not likely to become a reality. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What does "materialize" mean in the context of "unlikely to materialize"?

In this context, "materialize" means to become real or to happen. So, "unlikely to materialize" means that something is not likely to become a reality or occur.