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 beaches are then evaluated on criteria like uniqueness, remoteness, wildlife, calm waters, crowds, and the overall likelihood of idyllic conditions.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026
Very little rainfall will also set us up for likelihood of expanding drought conditions again when the new drought index comes out later this week.
—Gregory Padgett, CBS News, 31 May 2026
The results suggest that many patients can avoid chemotherapy and its side effects without increasing the likelihood of cancer recurrence.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 May 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, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
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Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026
Very little rainfall will also set us up for likelihood of expanding drought conditions again when the new drought index comes out later this week.
—Gregory Padgett, CBS News, 31 May 2026
The results suggest that many patients can avoid chemotherapy and its side effects without increasing the likelihood of cancer recurrence.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 May 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, 30 May 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 5 Jun. 2026.
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likelihood
noun
like·li·hood
ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d
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