Meaning & Definition of word "Improbable"

Improbable

/ɪmˈprɒb.ə.bəl/

adjective:

  • 1. Not likely to happen or be true; unlikely.
    • Example: It seems improbable that they would win the championship after such a poor start to the season.
  • 2. Having a low probability; unlikely to occur.
    • Example: The forecast predicts an improbable chance of snow in the summer.
  • 3. Not convincing or believable; dubious.
    • Example: His story was so improbable that nobody believed him.
  • 4. Difficult to imagine or envision.
    • Example: The idea of life on other planets seems improbable to many.

Etymology

From Latin 'improbabilis', where 'in-' means not and 'probabilis' relates to being proved.

Common Phrases and Expressions

improbable cause:

A reason that seems unlikely or not credible.

improbable event:

An occurrence that has a low likelihood of happening.

Related Words

probable:

Likely to happen or be the case.

implausible:

Not seeming reasonable or probable; failing to convince.

Slang Meanings of improbable

Meaning: A long shot

Example Sentence: Winning the lottery is a long shot, but it's not impossible.

Meaning: A snowball's chance in hell

Example Sentence: He has a snowball's chance in hell of finishing that project on time.