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

• liability
• 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

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona apologized to students and families for a series of calamitous delays in the aid process, as a bipartisan group of lawmakers raised new concerns about the likelihood of similar issues troubling the next admissions cycle. —Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 7 May 2024

And when the next crisis calls for strong state intervention, there is now an even greater likelihood of regulatory overreach. —Angela Huyue Zhang, TIME, 7 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

see likely entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing likelihood

• in all likelihood
• maximum likelihood

Kids Definition

likelihood

noun

like·​li·​hood ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d 

: probability sense 1