Dictionary
English - Japanese
Unlikely
ˌənˈlaɪkli
Very common
~ 1600
~ 1600
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
ありそうにない, 起こりそうにない, ありそうもない, まさか
Unlikely meanings in Japanese
ありそうにない
Example:
It is unlikely that it will rain tomorrow.
明日雨が降る可能性はありそうにない。
She is unlikely to accept the job offer.
彼女がその仕事のオファーを受け入れることはありそうにない。
Usage: formalContext: Used to express doubt or skepticism about a future event or outcome.
Note: This phrase is commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese, often in discussions about predictions.
起こりそうにない
Example:
It's unlikely that they will finish on time.
彼らが時間通りに終わることは起こりそうにない。
The plan is unlikely to succeed.
その計画は成功するとは起こりそうにない。
Usage: formalContext: Often used in business or academic contexts to discuss the feasibility of plans or projects.
Note: This expression emphasizes the improbability of an event occurring.
ありそうもない
Example:
It's unlikely he'll come to the party.
彼がパーティーに来るとはありそうもない。
It's unlikely that they will change their minds.
彼らが考えを変えるとはありそうもない。
Usage: informalContext: Used in casual conversations to express disbelief or skepticism.
Note: This phrase is often used in everyday discussions and is less formal.
まさか
Example:
He is unlikely to win the election.
まさか彼が選挙に勝つとは思えない。
It's unlikely she forgot our meeting.
まさか彼女が私たちの会議を忘れたとは思えない。
Usage: informalContext: Used to express surprise or disbelief in a more emphatic way.
Note: This is more of an idiomatic expression and can convey strong feelings of doubt.
Unlikely's synonyms
improbable
Improbable means not likely to happen or be true.
Example: It is improbable that it will rain in the desert.
Note: Improbable suggests a lower likelihood than unlikely.
doubtful
Doubtful indicates a lack of certainty or confidence in something happening.
Example: It is doubtful that she will arrive on time.
Note: Doubtful implies more uncertainty compared to unlikely.
remote
Remote suggests a very slight or minimal possibility of something happening.
Example: The chances of winning the lottery are remote.
Note: Remote emphasizes a far-off or distant likelihood compared to unlikely.
unfeasible
Unfeasible means not capable of being accomplished or carried out.
Example: It seems unfeasible to complete the project by tomorrow.
Note: Unfeasible focuses on the practicality or feasibility of something rather than just likelihood.
Unlikely expressions, common phrases
Against all odds
This phrase means achieving something despite very low chances of success or a difficult situation.
Example: Against all odds, she managed to finish the marathon despite her injury.
Note: It emphasizes overcoming extreme challenges or obstacles.
Fat chance
This phrase is used to express that the likelihood of something happening is very low or impossible.
Example: Fat chance of winning the lottery with those odds.
Note: It is a more informal and humorous way to convey unlikeliness.
Not in a million years
This phrase emphasizes that something is so unlikely that it would never happen even in a very long period of time.
Example: I would never have thought that he would apologize, not in a million years.
Note: It conveys a sense of impossibility over an extended period.
Never in a million years
Similar to 'Not in a million years,' this phrase expresses extreme unlikelihood or surprise.
Example: Never in a million years did I expect to see you here.
Note: It adds an emphasis on the speaker's disbelief or shock.
Pie in the sky
This phrase refers to an unrealistic or impractical idea or dream that is unlikely to be realized.
Example: His plan to become a millionaire by next year is just a pie in the sky.
Note: It suggests a lack of feasibility or practicality in the idea.
A snowball's chance in hell
This phrase indicates that the likelihood of success is extremely low or impossible.
Example: He has a snowball's chance in hell of convincing them to change their minds.
Note: It uses vivid imagery to convey the idea of impossibility.
In your dreams
This phrase dismisses a suggestion or hope as unrealistic or improbable.
Example: You think they'll give you a promotion? In your dreams!
Note: It is a direct way of rejecting an unlikely idea.
Unlikely everyday (slang) expressions
Slim chance
This term implies a very small or unlikely possibility of something happening.
Example: There's a slim chance they'll agree to our proposal.
Note: The term 'slim chance' emphasizes the narrowness of the possibility compared to just saying 'unlikely.'
Long shot
Refers to something that is unlikely to happen or succeed due to a high level of difficulty or improbability.
Example: It's a long shot, but I might get that job offer.
Note: The term 'long shot' suggests a far-reaching or improbable attempt compared to a straightforward meaning like 'unlikely.'
Faint hope
Expresses a weak or almost non-existent expectation of a positive outcome.
Example: I have a faint hope that the project will be completed on time.
Note: The term 'faint hope' conveys a very small glimmer of optimism amidst overwhelming odds, differing in intensity from 'unlikely.'
Remote possibility
Refers to a chance that is very unlikely due to various factors or circumstances.
Example: It's a remote possibility that he'll show up at the party.
Note: The term 'remote possibility' highlights the distance and separation from a probable event more vividly than the term 'unlikely.'
Outside chance
Denotes a slim or unexpected chance of something happening, usually against prevailing odds.
Example: There's an outside chance I might win the lottery if I buy a ticket.
Note: The term 'outside chance' implies a probability beyond the ordinary or expected, distinguishing it from a generic 'unlikely.'
Bare possibility
Suggests a minimal or bare chance of an event occurring, with little certainty.
Example: There's a bare possibility we could finish the project early if everything goes according to plan.
Note: The term 'bare possibility' indicates a stark lack of assurance or certainty compared to a plain 'unlikely.'
Slight chance
Refers to a small or modest possibility of something happening, though not completely improbable.
Example: There's a slight chance she might change her mind.
Note: The term 'slight chance' conveys a minor level of possibility, differentiating it from a strong 'unlikely.'
Unlikely - Examples
It's unlikely that I will be able to attend the meeting tomorrow.
The idea of him becoming a doctor seemed unlikely at first, but he proved us all wrong.
The chances of winning the lottery are unlikely, but it's still worth a try.
Unlikely grammar
Unlikely - Adjective (Adjective) / Adjective (Adjective)
Lemma: unlikely
Conjugations
Adjective, comparative (Adjective, comparative): unlikelier
Adjective, superlative (Adjective, superlative): unlikeliest
Adjective (Adjective): unlikely
Syllables, Separation and Stress
unlikely Contains 3 syllables: un • like • ly
Phonetic transcription: ˌən-ˈlī-klē
un like ly , ˌən ˈlī klē (The red syllable is stressed)
Unlikely - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
unlikely: ~ 1600 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
...