unlikelihood

[uhn-lahyk-lee-hood] / ʌnˈlaɪk liˌhʊd /

NOUN

dark horse

Synonyms

STRONGEST

also-ran long shot sleeper underdog

WEAK

hundred-to-one shot improbability little chance little opportunity outside chance outside shot poor bet poor lookout poor possibility poor prognosis poor prospect slim chance small chance stalking horse unexpected winner unknown unknown quantity unlikely winner upsetter

NOUN

impossibility

Synonyms

STRONGEST

futility

STRONG

contrariety difficulty failure impracticability impracticality unfeasibility

WEAK

unattainability unreasonableness unworkability

Antonyms

WEAK

feasibility possibility practicality probability

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There is a problem, though, and it comes from the unlikelihood that OpenAI or Anthropic will ever vanquish the other.

From Slate • Feb. 10, 2026

At nearly 80, he’s started to “joke” about his unlikelihood of getting into heaven.

From Salon • Dec. 19, 2025

The judge called it “one of the most difficult sentencings I’ve ever done,” and said he was taking the 70-year-old Boylan’s age and health into account, as well as the unlikelihood that he would re-offend.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2024

The unlikelihood of him being available to play in the NHL until 2026 could represent a red flag for some teams.

From Washington Times • Jun. 26, 2023

His father wanted Colin to transcend all that stuff, but maybe even he was starting to see the unlikelihood of Colin ever becoming extraordinary.

From "An Abundance of Katherines" by John Green

unlikelihood

Example Sentences

Related Words