〜そうにない
Formation
Meaning
Expresses that correctly performing an action or achieving a state seems unlikely or impossible based on current signs, evidence, or feelings.
Note
Indicates a low probability or the speaker's judgment that an action or state is unlikely to happen based on the current situation. It is the negative counterpart of the 'appearance' usage of 'sou'.
Examples
この仕事は今日中に終わりそうにない。
This work doesn't look like it will be finished by the end of today.
雨はまだ降りそうもありませんね。
It doesn't look like the rain will fall yet, does it?
こんなに高いカメラは、私には買えそうにない。
I don't think I'll be able to buy such an expensive camera.
最近忙しくて、しばらく休みは取れそうにない。
I've been so busy lately, it doesn't look like I'll be able to take a break for a while.
彼は私の言うことを聞きそうもない。
It doesn't look like he's going to listen to what I say.
いくら探しても、見つかりそうにない。
No matter how much I search, it doesn't look like I'll find it.