Words / A2

un-LYKL-ee/ʌnˈlaɪkli/

Unlikely means probably not going to happen: it is unlikely that, unlikely to rain, an unlikely story. Likely is the opposite. Improbable is a more formal cousin. Unlike is a preposition (different from) — do not mix them. Do not write unlikely when you mean unlike, or unlucky (bad luck).

Meaning

Not probable; probably not going to happen.

Examples

• “It is unlikely to rain before this evening.”
• “It is unlikely that the shop will still be open.”
• “He is unlikely to arrive before eight.”

Good to know

unlikely to / it is unlikely that. Opposite: likely. Mix-ups: unlike, unlucky.

New