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

The more complex the workflow, the higher the likelihood of quiet, at-scale mistakes. —Eva Nahari, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025

As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases. —Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2025

Pull together a focus group of average Americans, and the likelihood that a sizable portion would want to relive their teenage years seems pretty slim. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025

And the researchers point out that such a rise in statistical likelihood of cluster hurricanes comes with a very real risk to areas facing the North Atlantic. —New Atlas, 11 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