Explanation at your level:
When we say something is unlikely, we mean it probably will not happen. For example, if it is sunny, it is unlikely to snow. It is a good word to talk about the future.
You can use unlikely to talk about things that are not expected. If you study hard, it is unlikely that you will fail your test. It helps you talk about your guesses.
Unlikely is used to express that the chance of an event is low. It is common to say 'It is unlikely that he will come today.' It is a more formal way to say 'probably not'.
In B2 English, you use unlikely to provide nuance. You might say 'It is highly unlikely' to show you are very sure something won't occur. It’s excellent for academic writing and debates.
At the C1 level, you use unlikely to convey skepticism. You might describe an 'unlikely candidate' for a job, meaning they don't fit the typical profile. It adds sophistication to your arguments.
Mastering unlikely involves understanding the subtle distinction between 'improbable' and 'impossible'. It is frequently used in literary contexts to describe characters who defy expectations, such as an 'unlikely hero' in a complex narrative.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Means not expected to happen
- Commonly used with 'highly'
- Adjective form only
- Useful for expressing doubt
Hey there! Let's talk about the word unlikely. It is a super useful adjective we use when we want to express that something probably won't happen.
Think of it as the opposite of 'likely.' If you look at the sky and see big, dark storm clouds, it is likely to rain. But if the sky is perfectly blue, it is unlikely that you will need an umbrella today.
We use this word to show doubt or to give a realistic assessment of a situation. It’s not saying something is impossible—just that it’s not the most expected outcome.
The word unlikely comes from the Old English word 'lic', which meant 'body' or 'form'. Over time, it evolved into 'like', meaning 'having the same form' or 'suitable'.
By adding the prefix un-, which signifies negation, we get 'unlikely'. Historically, it meant 'not having the appearance of being true'.
It’s fascinating how words change! While 'like' is now mostly used for comparisons, its older meaning of 'probable' is still hidden inside 'likely' and 'unlikely'. It’s a great example of how Germanic roots still shape our modern English vocabulary.
You will hear unlikely used in both casual conversations and formal reports. It’s very common to say 'It is unlikely that...' followed by a full sentence.
Common pairings include 'highly unlikely' or 'very unlikely' to add emphasis. You might also hear 'seem unlikely' or 'appear unlikely' when someone is making a judgment call.
In a professional setting, it is a polite way to say 'no' or 'that won't happen' without sounding too blunt. It’s a softer way to manage expectations compared to saying 'that's impossible'.
While 'unlikely' is a standard word, it often appears in phrases that deal with probability. 1. Against all odds: When something unlikely happens anyway. 2. A long shot: An attempt that is unlikely to succeed. 3. Fat chance: A very informal way to say something is highly unlikely. 4. When pigs fly: An idiom for something that is impossible, which is the extreme version of unlikely. 5. Slim to none: Used to describe chances that are nearly zero.
Pronounced un-LIKE-lee, the stress is on the second syllable. In IPA, it is /ʌnˈlaɪkli/.
Grammatically, it functions as an adjective. You can use it before a noun (an unlikely hero) or after a linking verb (it seems unlikely). It does not have a plural form because it describes a state of probability.
It rhymes with words like 'likely', 'sprightly', and 'nightly'. Remember that it is not a verb, so you don't conjugate it!
Fun Fact
The word 'like' used to mean 'body' in Old English!
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 'un' followed by 'like' and 'lee'
Similar to UK, clear 'i' sound at the end
Common Errors
- Pronouncing it as 'un-lick-lee'
- Stressing the first syllable
- Dropping the 'ly' sound
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Easy to use
Easy to say
Easy to hear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective usage
It is unlikely.
Infinitive clauses
He is unlikely to go.
That clauses
It is unlikely that he goes.
Examples by Level
It is unlikely to rain today.
unlikely = not expected
adjective usage
It is unlikely that the bus is on time.
He is an unlikely winner.
It seems unlikely.
They are unlikely to arrive soon.
That is very unlikely.
It is unlikely to be true.
Is it unlikely?
It is not unlikely.
It is highly unlikely that he will change his mind.
The plan seems unlikely to succeed.
An unlikely friendship formed between them.
It is unlikely that we will finish by five.
She is an unlikely candidate for the role.
The result is unlikely to satisfy everyone.
It is unlikely to happen again.
Given the facts, it is unlikely.
It is increasingly unlikely that the project will be completed.
The theory is unlikely to gain much support.
He is an unlikely hero in this story.
It is not entirely unlikely that they will agree.
The outcome is unlikely to be positive.
Such an event is highly unlikely.
It seems unlikely given the current data.
It is unlikely to have any effect.
The proposal is unlikely to meet the committee's approval.
It is an unlikely scenario, but we must prepare.
He made an unlikely recovery from his illness.
The evidence makes his innocence seem unlikely.
It is unlikely that the trend will continue.
She is an unlikely choice for the position.
The outcome remains unlikely.
It is unlikely to be a coincidence.
The unlikely juxtaposition of styles created a unique effect.
It is highly unlikely that such a precedent will be set.
He remains an unlikely champion of the cause.
The unlikely nature of the events left everyone stunned.
It is unlikely that the truth will ever be revealed.
The unlikely alliance surprised the entire nation.
Such an unlikely turn of events was unforeseen.
It is unlikely to be resolved without compromise.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"A long shot"
something unlikely to succeed
Winning the race is a long shot.
casual"Fat chance"
no chance at all
Fat chance of that happening!
informal"Slim to none"
almost zero probability
The chances are slim to none.
neutral"Against all odds"
happening despite being unlikely
He won against all odds.
neutral"When pigs fly"
never going to happen
I'll clean my room when pigs fly.
informal"In the unlikely event"
if something rare happens
In the unlikely event of rain, we go inside.
formalEasily Confused
Both mean unlikely
Improbable is more formal
Improbable event vs unlikely event.
Both express uncertainty
Doubtful implies suspicion
It is doubtful he is honest.
Both mean hard to believe
Implausible is about logic
An implausible excuse.
Simple
Standard term
It is unlikely.
Sentence Patterns
It is unlikely that [clause]
It is unlikely that he will win.
Subject + is unlikely to [verb]
He is unlikely to win.
Highly unlikely + [noun]
A highly unlikely outcome.
Seem/Appear unlikely
It seems unlikely.
In the unlikely event of [noun]
In the unlikely event of fire, exit.
Word Family
Nouns
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
8/10
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Unlikely is already an adjective, it doesn't need -ly added to it.
While 'very' is okay, 'highly' is a stronger collocation.
Needs correct verb agreement.
Don't use 'for' before the infinitive.
We use 'to' after unlikely, not 'than'.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'Un' sign over a 'Like' button that is broken.
When Native Speakers Use It
Use it to soften bad news.
Cultural Insight
Used in British English to be polite.
Grammar Shortcut
Always follow with 'to' + verb or 'that' + clause.
Say It Right
Focus on the 'LIKE' part.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't add -ly to make it an adverb.
Did You Know?
It shares roots with 'like'!
Study Smart
Pair it with 'highly' every time.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Un-Like-Lee: It is UN-likely that you will LIKE the LEE (a person).
Visual Association
A person looking at a coin flip that never lands.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about things that are unlikely to happen today.
Word Origin
Germanic
Original meaning: Not having the form or appearance of
Cultural Context
None
Used frequently in news and formal announcements.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At work
- highly unlikely to finish
- unlikely candidate
- seems unlikely
Weather reports
- unlikely to rain
- unlikely to clear up
General conversation
- it's unlikely
- very unlikely
Academic writing
- statistically unlikely
- the hypothesis is unlikely
Conversation Starters
"What is something unlikely to happen today?"
"Do you think it's unlikely to snow this year?"
"Have you ever met an unlikely hero?"
"Is it unlikely that humans will live on Mars soon?"
Journal Prompts
Write about an unlikely event that changed your life.
Describe an unlikely friendship you have seen.
Why is it unlikely that we will travel to the sun?
What is an unlikely goal you have achieved?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it is an adjective.
Yes, but 'highly' is more common.
No, just improbable.
un-LIKE-lee.
It can be used in both formal and informal settings.
Unlikelihood.
Yes, it is grammatically correct.
No, it is an adjective.
Test Yourself
It is ___ to rain when it is sunny.
Unlikely means not expected.
Which means the same as 'unlikely'?
Improbable is a synonym.
If something is unlikely, it will definitely happen.
Unlikely means it probably won't happen.
Word
Meaning
These are common collocations.
Correct structure: It is unlikely to snow.
Score: /5
Summary
Unlikely is the perfect word to describe something that probably won't happen.
- Means not expected to happen
- Commonly used with 'highly'
- Adjective form only
- Useful for expressing doubt
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'Un' sign over a 'Like' button that is broken.
When Native Speakers Use It
Use it to soften bad news.
Cultural Insight
Used in British English to be polite.
Grammar Shortcut
Always follow with 'to' + verb or 'that' + clause.
Example
It is unlikely that the package will arrive before the weekend.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More Other words
abate
C1To become less intense, active, or severe, or to reduce the amount or degree of something. It is most commonly used to describe the subsiding of natural phenomena, emotions, or legal nuisances.
abcarndom
C1To intentionally deviate from a fixed sequence or established pattern in favor of a randomized or non-linear approach. It is often used in technical or analytical contexts to describe the process of breaking a structured flow to achieve a more varied result.
abcenthood
C1The state, condition, or period of being absent, particularly in a role where one's presence is expected or required. It often refers to a prolonged or systemic lack of participation in a social, parental, or professional capacity.
abcitless
C1A noun referring to the state of being devoid of essential logical progression or a fundamental missing component within a theoretical framework. It describes a specific type of structural absence that renders a system or argument incomplete.
abcognacy
C1The state of being unaware or lacking knowledge about a specific subject, situation, or fact. It describes a condition of non-recognition or a gap in cognitive awareness, often used in technical or specialized academic contexts.
abdocion
C1Describing a movement, force, or logical process that leads away from a central axis or established standard. It is primarily used in specialized technical contexts to describe muscles pulling a limb away from the body or ideas that diverge from a main thesis.
abdocly
C1Describing something that is tucked away, recessed, or occurring in a hidden manner that is not immediately visible to the observer. It is primarily used in technical or academic contexts to denote structural elements or biological processes that are concealed within a larger system.
aberration
B2A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome. It refers to a temporary change or a deviation from the standard path or rule.
abfacible
C1To systematically strip or remove the external surface or facade of a structure or material for analysis, restoration, or cleaning. It specifically refers to the technical act of uncovering underlying layers while preserving the integrity of the core material.
abfactency
C1Describing a quality or state of being fundamentally disconnected from empirical facts or objective reality. It is typically used to characterize arguments or theories that are logically consistent within themselves but have no basis in actual evidence. This term highlights a sophisticated departure from what is observable in favor of what is purely speculative.
