likelihood

noun

like·​li·​hood ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d 

: the chance that something will happen : probability

There's very little likelihood of that happening. [=that is very unlikely to happen]

changes that in all likelihood will be made soon [=changes that are very likely to be made soon]

… a strong likelihood that he is correct …

—T. D. Anderson

The likelihood of instability might increase because of the economic crisis.

—Fareed Zakaria

… could reduce the likelihood of a fire in their convenience store by banning smoking in their building …

—Harriet E. Jones et al.

Synonyms of likelihood

• probability

Examples of likelihood in a Sentence

There is a strong likelihood that he will be reelected.

the weatherman on TV said that the likelihood of rain today was fairly high

Recent Examples on the Web

But none of that would likely matter in all likelihood if the Democrats don't hold their ground elsewhere. — ABC News, 26 July 2026

The model was also used to predict visitors’ likelihood of reaching specific pieces (81 percent accuracy) and visitor departure rates (96 percent accuracy). — Mureji Fatunde-Iloeje, ArsTechnica, 25 July 2026

All of these factors reduce the likelihood that an average cancer patient in Nigeria survives after their diagnosis. — Durrie Bouscaren, NPR, 25 July 2026

Vakil said intermittent warfare was the likelihood in the foreseeable future. — Ron Kampeas, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

see likely entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing likelihood

• maximum likelihood

Rhymes for likelihood

• misunderstood
• unlikelihood
• adulthood
• babyhood
• brotherhood
• cottonwood
• fatherhood
• firewood
• fuelwood
• hardihood
• ironwood
• leatherwood

Kids Definition

likelihood

noun

like·​li·​hood ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d 

: probability sense 1