Definition

In a way that is unlikely to happen or be true.

Example

She improbably won the lottery twice in a row.

Conversation

Did you see that game last night?

Yeah, it was improbably exciting for a regular season match.

I know, right? I didn’t expect it to be so close.

Exactly! The last-minute goal was just unbelievable.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Improbably is formed from "im-" (meaning not) and "probabilis" (from Latin, meaning provable or likely) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner). The word describes something that is not likely to happen or is unlikely.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('im-') making something 'likely' ('probabilis') — that's why improbably means something that is not likely to occur.

Visually Confused Words