resultar improbable
verbCEFR B1
What does “resultar improbable” mean in English?
it turns out unlikely that, it seems improbable that
it turns out unlikely that, it seems improbable that (resultar improbable que + subjunctive)
Example sentences
Dado el tiempo transcurrido, resulta bastante improbable que encuentren sobrevivientes en los próximos días.
Given the time that has passed, it seems quite unlikely that they will find survivors in the coming days.
Con los recursos disponibles, resulta improbable que el proyecto se complete dentro del plazo previsto.
With the available resources, it seems unlikely that the project will be completed within the planned timeframe.
Después de examinar los hechos, resulta más que improbable que aquello hubiera sido un accidente.
After examining the facts, it seems more than unlikely that it had been an accident.
How to use it
Resultar improbable (que) is an impersonal expression meaning 'it turns out unlikely that' or 'it seems improbable that'. Resultar here is a linking/copular verb (like ser/estar) meaning 'to result in being' or 'to turn out to be'. As an impersonal doubt/value expression, it triggers subjunctive in the que-clause: 'Resulta improbable que lleguen a tiempo'. Resulta probable (que) — the positive counterpart — also triggers subjunctive, placing it in the impersonal value expression category rather than the opinion category.
Common mistake
Resultar in this construction does not mean 'to result' (that is dar como resultado or producir como resultado). It means 'to turn out to be' — a linking verb. 'Resulta improbable que...' = 'It turns out to be unlikely that...'. The que-clause always requires subjunctive, regardless of whether the probability expression is positive (resulta probable) or negative.