What is unlikely? Pronunciation and usage in English

unlikely means . Learn how to pronounce and use unlikely through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of unlikely

unlikelyadjective

/ʌnˈlʌɪkli/
Definition & pronunciation of unlikely

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "unlikely" in English. Here's a breakdown with phonetic transcription and explanations:

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

ˈʌnˌlaɪk(ə)li

2. Breakdown and Explanation:

  • ˈʌn - This is the stressed syllable.

    • ˈ (primary stress): This symbol indicates that the syllable is emphasized.
    • ʌ (short "uh" sound): This is like the sound in "but" or "cup." It's a relaxed, open vowel.
    • n - As in "now."

  • ˌlaɪ - This is the second syllable.

    • ˌ (secondary stress): This indicates a slightly less emphasized syllable.
    • laɪ - This is the sound in "light." It's a diphthong (a gliding vowel), moving from a short "a" sound to a "i" sound.

  • k - As in "kite"

  • (ə)li - This final syllable adds a subtle quality.

    • ə (schwa sound): This is a very neutral vowel sound, like the "a" in "about" or "sofa." It's unstressed. It’s often tricky for non-native speakers, as it's very subtle.
    • li - As in "listen."

3. Putting it all together - How it Sounds:

Imagine saying: "Un - light - ly" but really softening the middle "light" sound a little bit and ending with a very quiet, neutral "li."

4. Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Stress: Make sure you emphasize the first syllable ("un"). This is the most important part.
  • "Light" Sound: Practice the "light" sound ("laɪ").
  • Schwa: The final "li" needs to be a very relaxed, almost swallowed schwa sound. Don't pronounce it forcefully.

Resources for Hearing it:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/unlikely/ - This website has native speakers pronounce the word.
  • Google Search: Search "how to pronounce unlikely" and you'll find many videos.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What is your native language? (This helps me understand any potential pronunciation differences you might have.)

Usage and examples with the word unlikely in English

Let's break down how to use the word "unlikely" effectively in English. It's a versatile word that expresses a low probability of something happening.

1. Basic Meaning:

  • Definition: "Unlikely" means not probable; not likely to happen. It suggests a low chance or possibility.

2. How to Use It - Different Ways:

  • Describing Possibilities: This is the most common use.

    • "It's unlikely that it will rain tomorrow." (Meaning: It’s not probable that it will rain.)
    • "He’s unlikely to win the lottery." (Meaning: It’s not probable he'll win the lottery.)
    • "They are unlikely to forgive him." (Meaning: They probably won’t forgive him.)

  • Modifying Verbs (using "be"): You can combine "unlikely" with "to be" to form a more complex sentence.

    • "He is unlikely to accept the offer." (Meaning: He probably won’t accept the offer.)
    • "They are unlikely to agree with my suggestion." (Meaning: They probably won't agree.)
    • "It is unlikely to be a good idea." (Meaning: It probably won't be a good idea.)

  • As an Adjective (describing nouns):

    • "It was an unlikely success story." (Meaning: It was surprising that it became successful.)
    • “He’s an unlikely hero.” (Meaning: He’s not a typical hero, but he’s still heroic.)
    • "There’s an unlikely alliance forming between the two companies." (Meaning: It's surprising that these two companies are working together.)

  • Expressing Doubt/Hesitation:

    • "I think it's unlikely we'll have enough time." (Expressing concern about a time constraint)

3. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Possible: (Less strong than 'unlikely')
  • Probable: (Similar in meaning)
  • Remote: (Suggests a very low chance)
  • Improbable: (Similar to unlikely)
  • Doubtful: (Expresses uncertainty)
  • Unreasonable: (suggests something is not practical or sensible)

4. Important Nuances:

  • Degrees of Unlikelihood: "Unlikely" doesn't have a strict numerical value. It's a spectrum. Something could be:

    • Slightly unlikely: "There's a small chance I'll go."
    • Fairly unlikely: "It's unlikely we'll see snow this winter."
    • Very unlikely: “It's extremely unlikely that he'll change his mind.”

  • Contrast with "Likely": "Unlikely" is often used in contrast with "likely." "It's likely to rain tomorrow" implies a good chance.

5. Examples in Context:

  • "Considering his lack of experience, it's unlikely he'll be promoted."
  • "The company's profits are unlikely to increase significantly this year."
  • "Despite her efforts, finding a suitable candidate is unlikely."

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  • What kind of context are you thinking about? (e.g., formal writing, casual conversation, a specific topic like weather or business?)
  • Do you have a particular sentence you're struggling with? Providing the sentence will allow me to show you precisely how to use "unlikely" in that situation.

Synonyms for the word unlikely

Practice with vocabulary unlikely

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Given the current market volatility, it is __________ that the stock will recover its previous high by next quarter.
  2. The management has expressed concerns that the proposed budget, without further cuts, is __________ to gain board approval.
  3. Despite the team's best efforts, the project's success without additional funding remains __________ at this stage.
  4. The consultant presented several scenarios, noting that achieving such ambitious growth targets in the current economic climate is __________ without significant strategic shifts.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (select all that apply)

  1. The scientific community considers the existence of extraterrestrial life, based on current evidence, to be __________. A. certain B. highly probable C. unlikely D. guaranteed

  2. Achieving all project milestones within such a compressed timeline seems __________, even with increased resources. A. implausible B. foreseeable C. unlikely D. inevitable

  3. The prospect of the merger going through without any regulatory hurdles is considered __________. A. probable B. doubtful C. possible D. unlikely

  4. The committee found the witness's claims, which lacked any corroborating evidence, to be highly __________. A. indisputable B. questionable C. factual D. verifiable

  5. Considering the significant data breach last month, entrusting sensitive client information to the same third-party vendor would be extremely __________. A. advisable B. feasible C. risky D. convenient

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It is highly improbable that the company will launch its new product line before the end of the year. (Rewrite using "unlikely")
  2. There is only a slim chance that the negotiation will conclude successfully without further concessions from both sides. (Rewrite using "unlikely")
  3. We have very little expectation of reaching the sales target with the current marketing strategy alone. (Rewrite without using "unlikely")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Given the current market volatility, it is unlikely that the stock will recover its previous high by next quarter.
  2. The management has expressed concerns that the proposed budget, without further cuts, is unlikely to gain board approval.
  3. Despite the team's best efforts, the project's success without additional funding remains doubtful at this stage.
  4. The consultant presented several scenarios, noting that achieving such ambitious growth targets in the current economic climate is improbable without significant strategic shifts.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The scientific community considers the existence of extraterrestrial life, based on current evidence, to be C. unlikely.
  2. Achieving all project milestones within such a compressed timeline seems A. implausible, C. unlikely, even with increased resources.
  3. The prospect of the merger going through without any regulatory hurdles is considered B. doubtful, D. unlikely.
  4. The committee found the witness's claims, which lacked any corroborating evidence, to be highly B. questionable.
  5. Considering the significant data breach last month, entrusting sensitive client information to the same third-party vendor would be extremely C. risky.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company is highly unlikely to launch its new product line before the end of the year.
  2. The negotiation is unlikely to conclude successfully without further concessions from both sides.
  3. Reaching the sales target with the current marketing strategy alone seems highly improbable.

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