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When describing a very small chance, such as 2%, which one(s) of the following is correct?

  • Highly unlikely
  • Highly impossible
  • Highly improbable
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"Highly unlikely" and "Highly improbable" both work. They don't have number values associated with them so whether a listener thinks you mean 10%, 2% or .001% depends on the listener's own thinking and the context.

"Highly impossible" doesn't make sense. Something is either possible or impossible. There is nothing in between.

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    I've upvoted your answer. While I agree completely about the logic of possible and impossible, I'm aware that people modify possible and impossible all the time (to hedge their bets) with words such as: hardly/barely/scarcely/nearly/almost/virtually and so on.
    – Ronald Sole
    Commented Aug 21, 2021 at 7:36
  • You are correct. I couldn't figure out how to explain such usages without resorting to tone of voice and facial expressions, which of course I can't type out as part of an answer. If you can explain it clearly you can copy my answer and add your explanation, and I'll upvote your answer.
    – Readin
    Commented Aug 22, 2021 at 4:05
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    I think that between us we have already covered the ground.
    – Ronald Sole
    Commented Aug 22, 2021 at 7:26

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