unlikely
gb/ʌnlˈaɪkli/ us/ʌnlˈaɪkli/
B1
English
~ 1700
nem valószínű, valószínűtlen, szokatlan, nem tipikus
B1
1
Usage pattern:
[something] is unlikely [to do something]
It’s unlikely that we’ll finish the project on time.
Nem valószínű, hogy határidőre befejezzük a projektet.
She’s an unlikely candidate for the job given her lack of experience.
Tapasztalatlansága miatt nem tűnik esélyes jelöltnek az állásra.
Rain is unlikely tomorrow according to the forecast.
The team’s victory seemed unlikely after their poor start.
Learner examples
It is unlikely that it will rain today.
Nem valószínű, hogy ma esni fog.
He is unlikely to come to the party.
Nem valószínű, hogy eljön a partira.
It is unlikely we will win the game.
She is unlikely to call tonight.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'unlikely' with 'impossible'; 'unlikely' means it could happen, but probably won't.
Meaning
Not likely to happen
Collocations
highly unlikely
|seems unlikely
|considered unlikely
|extremely unlikely
Synonyms
improbable (Slightly more formal; often used in written or academic contexts.)
Antonyms
likely (Indicates a high chance of something happening, opposite of 'unlikely'.)
Themes
probability
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Probably will not happen or is not true.
Not having a high chance of occurring or being true.
B2
2
Usage pattern:
an unlikely [choice/candidate/hero/etc.]
He was an unlikely hero, but he saved the day.
Nem tipikus hős volt, de végül megmentette a helyzetet.
The small town was an unlikely setting for such a big event.
A kisváros szokatlan helyszín volt egy ilyen nagy eseményhez.
She proved to be an unlikely friend in my time of need.
Learner examples
He is an unlikely leader.
Ő nem tipikus vezető.
This is an unlikely place for a party.
Ez szokatlan hely egy bulihoz.
She is an unlikely friend for him.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this sense with probability; here it refers to suitability or expectedness, not chance.
Meaning
Unexpected or unsuitable choice
Collocations
unlikely hero
|unlikely setting
|unlikely pair
Synonyms
unexpected (Focuses more on the element of surprise rather than suitability.)
Antonyms
expected (Something that fits what people think will happen or be chosen.)
Themes
appearance
|character
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Not the type of person or thing you would expect for something.
Not seeming appropriate, natural, or expected in a particular context.
Grammar
Dictionary form
unlikely
IPA
GB/ʌnlˈaɪkli/
US/ʌnlˈaɪkli/
Syllables & stress
un - likely (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (likely)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: unlikely
- Comparative: unlikelier
- Superlative: unlikeliest
Word family
Forms
unlikelier
adjective
unlikeliest
adjective
Core family
likely
adjective B1
likelihood
noun B2
Expressions
an unlikely story
1/ən ʌnlˈaɪkli stˈɔɹi/
fixed phrase
A story that seems untrue
A story that sounds like it is not true.
Examples
- He told me an unlikely story about meeting the president by accident.
- That’s an unlikely story—I don’t believe it happened.
make it unlikely
1/mˈeɪk ˈɪt ʌnlˈaɪkli/
fixed phrase
Cause low probability
To cause something to probably not happen.
Examples
- The injury will make it unlikely for him to play again this season.
- Bad weather could make it unlikely that the flight will leave on time.
not unlikely
1/nˈɑt ʌnlˈaɪkli/
fixed phrase
Quite possible or probable
Has a fair chance of happening; possible.
Examples
- It’s not unlikely that prices will rise soon.
- Given the weather, it’s not unlikely that the match will be canceled.