Definition

The least likely to happen or be true.

Example

She was the unlikeliest candidate to win the competition, but she did.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Did you see that game last night?

Yeah, it was amazing! I expected the unlikeliest team to win.

I can't believe they actually pulled it off!

Right? It just shows anything can happen in sports.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unlikeliest → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not), "like" (from Old English "lic", meaning similar or alike), and "-liest" (a superlative suffix indicating the highest degree). The word "unlikeliest" means the least likely or not similar in the highest degree.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') and 'similar' ('like') to remember that 'unlikeliest' means the least similar or least likely to happen.

Visually Confused Words