Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

improbable

/ɪmˈpɹɑbəbl̩/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.29 in modern English

Syllables: im-prob-a-ble
IPA: /ɪmˈpɹɑbəbl̩/

18

Scrabble Score

10

Letters

4

Syllables

9

Unique Chars

Meaning

adj

Not likely to be true.

adj

Not likely to happen.

Example Sentences

"It's highly improbable that aliens abducted you."
"Improbabile, that cannot be prooued, improbable."
"Nay, if he be of a proud humour, […] he will not Bate an Ace of abſolute certainty, but however doubtful or improbable the thing is, coming f[r]om him it muſt go for an indiſputable truth."
"It is highly improbable that the drafter of the notice ever visualised the form that heavy vehicles of the future would take, but the comprehensive wording still covers modern types."
"Due to the loss of power, it is improbable that we will begin on time."

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin improbābilis. By surface analysis, im- + probable.

Origin

Source language: Latin

Word Breakdown

Root: improbābilis

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /ɪmˈpɹɑbəbl̩/
British English: /ɪmˈpɹɒbəbl̩/

Inflected Forms

more improbable (comparative) most improbable (superlative)

Derived Forms

improbability improbableness improbably superimprobable

Phrases

statistically improbable phrase

Frequently Paired Words

probability probably impossible

Synonyms

marvelous marvellous tall unlikely unbelievable unconvincing

Antonyms

probable

Rhymes With

probable

Questions

How do you pronounce improbable?: The recorded pronunciation is /ɪmˈpɹɑbəbl̩/.
What does improbable mean?: Not likely to be true.
Where does improbable come from?: It is traced to Latin.

How to pronounce improbable

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “improbable”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ɪmˈpɹɑbəbl̩/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “improbable”.
Repeat and practice — Say “improbable” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.