unlikely to return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unlikely to return" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or person that is not expected to come back or reappear. Example: "After the incident, many believed he was unlikely to return to the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

looks unlikely to return.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Such heavy margins are unlikely to return.

The Economist

International airlines are unlikely to return soon.

The Economist

They are unlikely to return soon.

The New York Times

Once gone, such business is unlikely to return.

The Economist

State budgets are unlikely to return to health soon.

The Economist

Many of its rottenest members are unlikely to return.

The Economist

In an era of deleveraging it is unlikely to return.

The Economist

Whatever happens, Mr Goold is unlikely to return to obscurity.

The Economist

He is unlikely to return to the cabinet very soon.

The Economist

Many of the evacuees are unlikely to return home.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unlikely to return", ensure the context clearly establishes what or who is not expected to come back. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "unlikely to return" when the subject or situation being referred to is unclear. Always provide specific context to prevent confusion about what is not expected to return.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unlikely to return" functions as a predictive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun (explicit or implied) to express a low probability or expectation of that entity or state coming back or reappearing. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unlikely to return" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate a low probability of something reappearing or being restored. Ludwig AI affirms its usability and correctness. It is frequently found in news and media contexts, serving to express predictions or assessments about future events with a neutral tone. Alternatives include "not expected to return" and "slim chance of returning". When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies what is not expected to return. The consistency of the phrase makes it a reliable choice in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not expected to return

Replaces "unlikely" with a more direct negation of expectation.

chances of returning are low

Directly states that the probability of a return is minimal.

not anticipated to return

Substitutes "unlikely" with "not anticipated", emphasizing a lack of expectation based on foresight.

hardly any chance of returning

Uses "hardly any chance" to underscore the minimal possibility of return.

slim chance of returning

Uses "slim chance" to express the low probability of return.

remote possibility of returning

Emphasizes the distance or improbability of the return.

no real prospect of return

Focuses on the absence of a genuine expectation or outlook for a return.

improbable return

Condenses the phrase into a noun phrase emphasizing the improbability.

return is doubtful

Highlights the uncertainty and skepticism surrounding the return.

not in the cards

An idiomatic expression meaning something is not destined or likely to happen.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "unlikely to return" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "not expected to return" or "a return is "highly improbable"".

What does it mean when something is described as "unlikely to return"?

It means that the possibility of that thing or person reappearing or coming back is considered low or doubtful.

Which is correct, "unlikely to return" or "not likely to return"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and have the same meaning. "Unlikely to return" might sound slightly more concise.

What are some situations where I might use the phrase "unlikely to return"?

You can use it to describe events, people, or conditions that are not expected to reappear or revert to a previous state. For instance, "After the recession, those high profits are "unlikely to return"".