Unwahrscheinlich

Unwahrscheinlich is a German adjective meaning unlikely or improbable. It is formed from the negating prefix un- and the adjective wahrscheinlich (probable, likely). The word is used to describe events, outcomes, or statements with low probability, but not zero probability.

The term can describe nouns, as in ein unwahrscheinliches Ereignis (an unlikely event), or be used with verbs and clauses, for example Es ist unwahrscheinlich, dass er kommt (It is unlikely that he will come). In style, the degree can be intensified with modifiers such as völlig unwahrscheinlich, höchst unwahrscheinlich, or extrem unwahrscheinlich, and it can be softened with constructions like so unwahrscheinlich or nicht unwahrscheinlich, though the latter is less common in natural speech.

In usage, unwahrscheinlich contrasts with wahrscheinlich (likely) and with phrases like geringe Wahrscheinlichkeit (low probability). In formal contexts, speakers may prefer more explicit probabilistic language, such as Die Wahrscheinlichkeit ist gering (The probability is low) or Eine geringe Wahrscheinlichkeit besteht (There is a small probability). It is important to note that unwahrscheinlich does not mean impossible; unmöglich expresses impossibility.

Etymologically, unwahrscheinlich follows the same pattern as many German negations, attaching un- to wahrscheinlich to express negation of probability. The word is common across registers, from everyday speech to journalism and academic writing, and it is readily understood in both formal and informal contexts.

Examples include Es ist unwahrscheinlich, dass er kommt. Die unwahrscheinliche Wendung des Fluges überraschte die Passagiere.