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

• 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

It is expected to bring locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds to parts of the islands, which include Grenada and St. Lucia, but forecasters put its likelihood of development at 20% over the next seven days., the NHC said. —Mike Snider, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2025

This can reduce the likelihood of raises and promotions. —Ruth Oh Reitmeier, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025

Together, the results have shown that many exposures can increase the likelihood of autism, and that there can be multiple causes for any one person. —Sharon Lerner, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025

In all likelihood, Aaron Rodgers will not lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to a win in Super Bowl LX this winter. —Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025

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