Describing Probability: English Vocabulary List

having a possibility of happening or being the case

"It is likely to rain."

"It is likely to rain this afternoon so you should take an umbrella with you to work today."

having a high possibility of happening or being true based on available evidence or circumstances

"His success is probable."

"It is probable that the company will announce layoffs next month given their poor financial performance this quarter."

able to exist, happen, or be done

"Is it possible?"

"Is it possible for us to finish this project by Friday if we work overtime every night this week."

having a low chance of happening or being true

"That is unlikely."

"It is unlikely that she will arrive on time because her flight was delayed by several hours this morning."

having a low chance of occurring

"Winning the lottery is improbable."

"Given the current economic climate, a sudden surge in stock prices seems highly improbable."

easily anticipated or expected to happen based on past experiences or knowledge

"The plot is predictable."

"The plot of the movie was so predictable that I knew how it would end after only ten minutes."

unable to be predicted because of changing many times

"The weather is unpredictable."

"The weather in spring is highly unpredictable so you should always carry an umbrella and a jacket with you."

improbable or unlikely to happen or be the case

"It is doubtful."

"It is doubtful that he will show up to the meeting because he has been sick all week."

not definitively known or decided

"The future is uncertain."

"The future of the small business is uncertain due to the rising costs of supplies and rent every month."

anticipated or predicted to happen based on previous knowledge or assumptions

"The result was expected."

"The expected delivery date for the package is tomorrow but it might arrive later than that unfortunately."

happening or appearing without warning, causing surprise

"The visit was unexpected."

"The unexpected visit from her grandmother made her cancel all of her plans for the entire weekend."

doubtful or uncertain in terms of quality, reliability, or legitimacy

"His motive is questionable."

"The questionable decision to invest in that risky company cost him most of his life savings and retirement fund."

having qualities that make something possible and accepted as true

"The story is believable."

"The actor's performance was so believable that the audience forgot he was just playing a character in a movie."

allowing no questions or doubts

"His loyalty is unquestionable."

"His loyalty to the team is unquestionable because he has never missed a practice or game in ten years."