un·like·ly
Pronounced:
/ˌʌnˈlaɪkli/
Function:
adjectiveInflected forms:
un·like·li·er; un·like·li·estMeaning:
[or more un*like*ly; most un*like*ly] 1 : not likely —used to say that something probably will not happen or is not true ▪ It is unlikely that the company will survive more than another year. ▪ That explanation is unlikely to be true. ▪ an unlikely story [=a story that is hard to believe] ▪ Her recovery is unlikely. = It is unlikely that she will recover. = She is unlikely to recover. ▪ In the unlikely event that I win the lottery, I will pay off the mortgage.
2 always used before a noun : not seeming to be right or suited for a purpose ▪ He was an unlikely candidate for the position. ▪ A big city seems like an unlikely place to find wildlife. ▪ I received support from an unlikely ally. ▪ an unlikely combination
2 always used before a noun : not seeming to be right or suited for a purpose ▪ He was an unlikely candidate for the position. ▪ A big city seems like an unlikely place to find wildlife. ▪ I received support from an unlikely ally. ▪ an unlikely combination