unlikely - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
unlikely Word Meanings
- not likely to happen
- not expected
- improbable
unlikely Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
unlikely Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ʌnˈlaɪkli/
US
/ənˈlaɪkli/
unlikely Word Etymology
un- (not) + likely (probable, from 'likelihood'). Originated from Old English, through Middle English into modern usage. Imagine a scenario where something highly improbable occurs, like a pig flying, making it distinctly 'unlikely'.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
First I set my phone on silent and lean toward the screen. A thought moves through my head, then shifts as the data doesn’t line up with what I hoped, so I adjust my plan. I push away the spark of certainty and pull back expectations, feeling the path change a little as I test another option. In the end I keep a steady breath and accept that the outcome is unlikely, letting practicality guide the next move.
Real Context
Unlikely describes something that is not expected to happen and has a low probability. It is stronger than merely possible, but weaker than impossible, and it often carries a sense of personal judgment about what is probable. The prefix un- negates likely, pointing to the idea of probability rather than certainty. In everyday speech we say 'it's unlikely to happen' or 'an unlikely coincidence'. It pairs with verbs like 'will', 'happen', or nouns like 'outcome'. Other near-synonyms include improbable and rare, but unlikely emphasizes the speaker's forecast rather than an objective fact.
Usage Reminders
- Don't overstate certainty; use with to happen or that clauses.
- Compare with im/possible and probable to choose the right nuance.
- Use highly unlikely or quite unlikely for stronger emphasis.
- Check the subject and verb to keep tense correct (It is unlikely that... / It was unlikely to...).
- Practice with common collocations: unlikely to occur, an unlikely coincidence.
Common Misconceptions
- Not the same as not true; it hedges probability rather than stating fact.
- It does not mean something is impossible.
- It can refer to past events, not just future ones.
- It's weaker than 'unbelievable' in impact.
- It is not a blanket rejection of any outcome.
Thinking Differences
English tends to separate probability from fact clearly; unlikely is a hedging term and often pairs with will/happen/that-clauses to express forecast.
Learning Tips
- Practice with 'to happen' and 'that' clauses to place unlikely correctly.
- Compare sentences with 'improbable', 'rare', and 'impossible' to feel nuance.
- Use 'highly unlikely' for stronger emphasis.
- Note common collocations: unlikely to occur, an unlikely coincidence.
- Record your own sentences and check for tense consistency.
- Listen for stress on the second syllable: un-LY-ku-ly.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'unlikely' mean?
A.Improbable
B.Probable
C.Certain
D.Possible
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following scenarios would 'unlikely' be used?
A.A weather forecast predicting clear skies tomorrow
B.A lottery ticket winning the jackpot
C.A math problem with multiple solutions
D.A student studying for an exam
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'unlikely'?
A.Certain
B.Unlikely
C.Probable
D.Possible
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is the opposite of 'unlikely'?
A.Doubtful
B.Preposterous
C.Undoubtedly
D.Improbable
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life situation where something 'unlikely' happened?
A.A plant growing underwater
B.An ant winning a race against a cheetah
C.A cat barking like a dog
D.A person waking up at noon
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