Ikkesannsynlige

Ikkesannsynlige is a Norwegian adjective form that conveys the sense of “not likely” or “unprobable.” It represents a negated formation of sannsynlig (likely) and is used to describe events, hypotheses, or circumstances that are considered unlikely. The form ikkesannsynlige is primarily encountered in written Norwegian and is most often applied to plural nouns when following standard inflection patterns; however, it is not common in everyday speech.

In modern Norwegian, more frequent and widely accepted alternatives are usannsynlig (unbelievable, unlikely) or the two-word construction ikke sannsynlig (not likely). The combined form ikkesannsynlige may appear in older texts, dialect writings, or as a stylistic choice, but it is not typically treated as a separate, regular entry in modern dictionaries. When clarity is required, speakers and writers tend to opt for the simpler or more familiar options.

Etymology-wise, ikkesannsynlige is built from the negation prefix ikke and the adjective sannsynlig, which itself derives from roots related to truth (sann) and visibility or likelihood (synlig). The overall meaning remains the negation of probability, signaling that a set of events or propositions is considered unlikely.

Usage notes: ikkesannsynlige serves to indicate improbability, often in discussions involving several items or cases. Because the expression can be seen as stylistically marked, many writers prefer usannsynlig or ikke sannsynlig for precision and readability.

See also: sannsynlig, usannsynlig, ikke sannsynlig.