unlikely

Probably not going to happen or be true.

• Rain is unlikely today.
• She is unlikely to change her mind.
• It seems unlikely that they forgot the meeting.

How to use it: unlikely to do something (He is unlikely to arrive before noon.); it is unlikely that… (It is unlikely that the price will fall.)

Similar words: improbable, doubtful

Opposites: likely, probable

Common phrases: unlikely to happen, highly unlikely, unlikely event, unlikely explanation

Showing little chance of success or usefulness.

• He seemed an unlikely candidate for the job.
• They chose an unlikely leader for the expedition.
• The quiet child became an unlikely hero.

Similar words: unpromising

Opposites: promising

Common phrases: unlikely candidate, unlikely choice, unlikely winner