そうもない

JLPT Level: N3
Meanings

Very unlikely to

Does not seem that

Does not appear that

Usage

Verb (dictionary form) + そうもない

い-adjective + そうもない

な-adjective + そうもない

Noun + そうもない (less common)

Explanation
そうもない is used to express strong doubt or low likelihood about a situation or event. It emphasizes that something does not appear to be the case, even when based on what is observed. It often conveys a more decisive or stronger feeling of improbability than just 〜そうです or 〜かもしれません. Common contexts include predicting outcomes, judging possibilities in everyday conversation, and discussing future events that seem unlikely. The tone can be cautious or assertive depending on the speaker and situation.
彼は明日来そうもない。
かれはあしたきそうもない。

He doesn’t seem likely to come tomorrow.

この計画は成功しそうもない。
このけいかくはせいこうしそうもない。

This plan doesn’t seem likely to succeed.

雨が降りそうもない。
あめがふりそうもない。

It doesn’t look like it will rain.

その話は本当に起こりそうもない。
そのはなしは ほんとうに おこりそうもない。

That story doesn’t seem likely to happen.