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Definitions

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

With the unlikelihood of the draft providing them a rotation player, the Lakers will continue to build their team in other ways, from free agency to trades.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2025

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

Their initial wariness at this unlikelihood soon turns to joy when they discover the town is inhabited by loved ones who'd died on Earth.

From Salon • Jun. 17, 2023

As he himself considered the unlikelihood that the stranger would have trees growing out of her head, his eyes brightened again.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.