improbable

/ɪmˈprɑbəbəl/

/ɪmˈprɒbəbəl/

Your parents might tell you it's improbable that they'll buy you a car when you turn 16. Since improbable means something is unlikely but not impossible, your optimism allows you to keep hoping.

The adjective improbable also means statistically unlikely to happen. You might be afraid to fly, but the odds of a plane crash are so low that such an event is improbable. Improbable also means something that is so outrageous that you'd never admit you believed in it. You know the existence of the Loch Ness Monster is improbable, but that doesn't stop you from looking for it when you travel to Scotland.

Definitions of improbable

1. adjective

   having a probability too low to inspire belief
   synonyms: unbelievable, unconvincing, unlikely

   implausible

   having a quality that provokes disbelief
2. adjective

   too improbable to admit of belief
   synonyms: marvellous, marvelous, tall

   incredible, unbelievable

   beyond belief or understanding
3. adjective

   not likely to be true or to occur or to have occurred
   “an improbable event”

   synonyms: unlikely

   supposed

   mistakenly believed

   antonyms:

   probable

   likely but not certain to be or become true or real

   equiprobable

   equally probable

   presumptive

   having a reasonable basis for belief or acceptance

   verisimilar

   appearing to be true or real