Definition

The quality or state of not being likely to happen or occur; the chance that something will not happen.

Example

The unlikeliness of winning the lottery makes it a poor investment.

Conversation

Did you ever think we would actually win that game?

Honestly, I thought the unlikeliness of it was too high.

Yeah, it felt like we were the underdogs for sure.

But that's what made it so exciting when we finally did!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unlikeliness → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "likely" (from Old English "liclic", meaning having the characteristics of). The suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of) indicates a state of being. Therefore, "unlikeliness" refers to the state of not being likely or probable.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') and 'having the characteristics of' ('likely') to remember that 'unlikeliness' means the state of not being likely.

Visually Confused Words