unlikely Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective not likely to be true or to occur or to have occurred
    improbable.
    • legislation on the question is highly unlikely
    • an improbable event
  2. adjective has little chance of being the case or coming about
    • an unlikely story
    • an unlikely candidate for reelection
    • a butcher is unlikely to preach vegetarianism
  3. adjective satellite having a probability too low to inspire belief
    improbable; unbelievable; unconvincing.

WordNet


Un*like"ly adjective
Definitions
  1. Not likely; improbable; not to be reasonably expected; as, an unlikely event; the thing you mention is very unlikely.
  2. Not holding out a prospect of success; likely to fail; unpromising; as, unlikely means. Hooker.
  3. Not such as to inspire liking; unattractive; disagreeable. Obs. "The unlikely eld of me." Chaucer.
Un*like"ly adverb
Definitions
  1. In an unlikely manner.

Webster 1913