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
Regardless, Saudi Arabia has promised not to do so until Gaza receives statehood, as Israel simultaneously expands its Jewish settlements in the West Bank, decreasing the likelihood of a two-state solution any time soon.
—Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 1 Jan. 2026
One source in the Cowboys’ building did acknowledge the likelihood that the issue with the plane ride back to Dallas was the straw that finally broke the camel’s back to initiate the release.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Dec. 2025
There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.
—Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 31 Dec. 2025
Minutes from that meeting showed the cut at the meeting was a close call, as officials expressed the likelihood of additional reductions but at a tepid pace.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
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Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 1 Jan. 2026
One source in the Cowboys’ building did acknowledge the likelihood that the issue with the plane ride back to Dallas was the straw that finally broke the camel’s back to initiate the release.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Dec. 2025
There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.
—Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 31 Dec. 2025
Minutes from that meeting showed the cut at the meeting was a close call, as officials expressed the likelihood of additional reductions but at a tepid pace.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
Cite this Entry
“Likelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likelihood. Accessed 3 Jan. 2026.
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likelihood
noun
like·li·hood
ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d
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