improbable

Everyday

1. Not likely to happen or to be true. tree →
2. Strange and surprising: an improbable friendship between a cat and a duck. tree →

In the lessons

In maths, probability words go from impossible to certain; «improbable» means unlikely, close to the impossible end. In stories, an improbable event surprises the reader. Phrases: highly improbable, it is improbable that, an improbable winner.

Examples

• It is improbable that it will snow in July in London. tree →
• Rolling a six ten times in a row is highly improbable. tree →
• The underdog team won an improbable victory. tree →
• The dog and the rabbit had an improbable friendship. tree →
• It's improbable but not impossible. tree →
• Getting every answer right by guessing is very improbable. tree →
• Nay, that is almost too improbable; and yet it is true. tree →

Note

Opposite: «probable». In maths probability: improbable means a probability near 0 but not 0; impossible = 0, certain = 1. Similar: «unlikely».

In Jewish tradition

In maths, probability words go from impossible to certain; «improbable» means unlikely, close to the impossible end. In stories, an improbable event surprises the reader. Phrases: highly improbable, it is improbable that, an improbable winner.

Note

Opposite: «probable». In maths probability: improbable means a probability near 0 but not 0; impossible = 0, certain = 1. Similar: «unlikely».