What Is Another Way to Say “Not Likely”?

Looking for synonyms for not likely? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say not likely.

  • Improbable
  • Unlikely
  • Doubtful
  • Slim
  • Remote
  • Unpromising
  • Implausible
  • Questionable
  • Unconvincing
  • Far-fetched
  • Slight
  • Marginal
  • Negligible
  • Uncertain
  • Unforeseeable

Want to learn how to say not likely professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Improbable

When to use: To describe something that is not expected to happen because it seems unlikely from current evidence or circumstances.
Example: “Given the current market conditions, a quick recovery is improbable.”

2. Unlikely

When to use: A general term for something that does not hold much chance of happening.
Example: “It’s unlikely that the project will be completed on schedule without additional resources.”

3. Doubtful

When to use: Indicates a situation or outcome that is questionable or lacks certainty.
Example: “The success of the new initiative is doubtful without the support of senior management.”

4. Slim

When to use: To describe chances or possibilities that are very small or thin.
Example: “The chances of securing funding by the end of the quarter are slim.”

5. Remote

When to use: Used to indicate that something has a very small chance of occurring.
Example: “The possibility of a complete shutdown is remote, but we must prepare for all scenarios.”

6. Unpromising

When to use: Describes a situation or future prospect that does not seem likely to be favorable or successful.
Example: “The initial test results are unpromising, suggesting we need to rethink our approach.”

7. Implausible

When to use: Indicates that something seems unlikely because it does not appear to be based on sound reasoning or facts.
Example: “The theory is interesting but implausible given the lack of empirical evidence.”

8. Questionable

When to use: For situations or assertions that are doubtful or uncertain in terms of validity or likelihood.
Example: “The feasibility of the plan is questionable, given the tight timeline.”

9. Unconvincing

When to use: Describes an argument or explanation that fails to persuade or make one believe in its likelihood.
Example: “The rationale behind the decision was unconvincing to most stakeholders.”

10. Far-fetched

When to use: Refers to ideas, plans, or explanations that seem improbable because they are too imaginative or unlikely to be true.
Example: “The proposal was dismissed as far-fetched and not grounded in reality.”

11. Slight

When to use: Used to indicate a very small degree of likelihood or chance.
Example: “There is only a slight chance that the new legislation will affect our operations.”

12. Marginal

When to use: Describes something that has a very small impact or likelihood.
Example: “The improvements made a marginal difference in performance.”

13. Negligible

When to use: Indicates that the likelihood or impact is so small that it can be ignored.
Example: “The risk of data loss is negligible with the new security protocols in place.”

14. Uncertain

When to use: Suitable for situations where the outcome cannot be predicted with confidence.
Example: “The future of the project remains uncertain due to fluctuating market demands.”

15. Unforeseeable

When to use: Used when future events or outcomes cannot be predicted or anticipated.
Example: “The crisis was unforeseeable, with no clear indicators pointing to it beforehand.”

Linda Brown