unlikely

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   has little chance of being the case or coming about

   an unlikely story

2. 2
   adj

   not likely to be true or to occur or to have occurred

   legislation on the question is highly unlikely

3. 3
   adj

   Not likely; improbable; not to be reasonably expected.

   It is pretty unlikely that you'll win, but I will pray that at least you do well.

4. 4
   adj

   Not holding out a prospect of success; likely to fail; unpromising.

   unlikely means

5. 5
   noun

   Something or somebody considered unlikely.

   The molecular ion candidates are divided by the testing phase into three categories: rejects, unlikelies, and probables. Differences between each candidate and the prominent peaks in the spectrum are computed.

6. 6
   adj

   having a probability too low to inspire belief

7. 7
   adv

   In an improbable manner.

Etymology

From Middle English unlykely, unlikly, unlykly, unlicli, equivalent to un- + likely.