improbable

[im-prob-uh-buhl]

adjective

1. not probable; unlikely to be true or to happen.

   Rain is improbable tonight.

   Synonyms: implausible, doubtful, questionable

improbable

/ ɪmˈprɒbəbəl /

adjective

1. not likely or probable; doubtful; unlikely

Other Word Forms

• improbably adverb
• improbableness noun
• superimprobable adjective
• superimprobableness noun
• superimprobably adverb
• improbability noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of improbable¹

From the Latin word improbābilis, dating back to 1590–1600. See im- ², probable

Example Sentences

They’ve been around; they have worn edges, and when they intersect, it generates something authentically sweet, as real as the rest of the series is improbable.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a fluffy show, sometimes catching something real, frequently improbable, never completely ridiculous.

From Los Angeles Times

Never mind that the Department of Justice hasn’t said whether it will prosecute Cook, that the accusations haven’t been proven and whether they rise to the level of a fireable cause is wildly improbable.

From Los Angeles Times

His eyes wet, Tonatiuh recalls an emotional scene with Luna’s Valentin, Molina’s improbable love interest, that once again seemed to him as if film and his reality were in direct conversation.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, Livingstone, backed up by 51 from 29 by opener Will Smeed, produced one of the best knocks in The Hundred, sealing one of the more improbable victories.

From BBC

Related Words

• fanciful 
• implausible 
• rare 
• unbelievable 
• unlikely