conditional probability

noun

: the probability that a given event will occur if it is certain that another event has taken place or will take place

Examples of conditional probability in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The prosecutor’s fallacy emerges constantly in problems of conditional probability, leading us sirenlike towards precisely the wrong conclusions—and undetected, sends innocent people to jail. David Robert Grimes, Scientific American, 8 Dec. 2023 Each term in the Drake equation sets the conditional probability of the term that comes after. Corey S. Powell, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2021 The Goldman team sees a 30% probability of entering a recession over the next year, up from 15% previously, and a 25% conditional probability of entering a recession in the second year if one is avoided in the first. Enda Curran, Fortune, 21 June 2022 To calculate the probability of the outcome resulting from any particular branch (a conditional probability), the probabilities of the sequence of events are multiplied. New York Times, 13 May 2020 Doyle believes the humpback whales have conditional probabilities in their language. Brian Resnick, Vox, 6 Dec. 2018 The conditional probability wasn’t specified in Mr. Suva’s research note. Justin Lahart, WSJ, 10 Mar. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'conditional probability.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of conditional probability was in 1937

Dictionary Entries Near conditional probability

Cite this Entry

“Conditional probability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conditional%20probability. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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