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
T. D. AndersonThe likelihood of instability might increase because of the economic crisis.—Fareed Zakaria
Fareed Zakaria… could reduce the likelihood of a fire in their convenience store by banning smoking in their building …—Harriet E. Jones et al.
Harriet E. Jones et al.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
The study looked at whether the park has been recognized and certified by DarkSky, the Bortle rating (a nine-level scale that measures the night sky's brightness) and the likelihood of clear nights, to create an overall stargazing score.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2026
The fact that a meeting initially scheduled for May, and then June, is now only tentatively penciled in for July speaks volumes about the current likelihood of progress.
—Anand Menon, Time, 13 June 2026
That is critical, South Carolina conservatives say, in a crowded race where there is a high likelihood for a June 23 runoff if no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
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Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2026
The fact that a meeting initially scheduled for May, and then June, is now only tentatively penciled in for July speaks volumes about the current likelihood of progress.
—Anand Menon, Time, 13 June 2026
That is critical, South Carolina conservatives say, in a crowded race where there is a high likelihood for a June 23 runoff if no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
Cite this Entry
“Likelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likelihood. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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likelihood
noun
like·li·hood
ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d
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