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
On Tuesday, Detroit's leading wide receiver option gave a concerning update regarding his likelihood to play on Thursday night.
—Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025
Across the board, prediction markets are placing a high likelihood that Hassett will succeed Jerome Powell in the role.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 2 Dec. 2025
As snowplow crews continue to treat the roads and highways throughout the next few days, there is a likelihood that icy conditions may remain along the roads.
—Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 2 Dec. 2025
The likelihood of a rate cut now stands at 87%, according to CME FedWatch.
—Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
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Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025
Across the board, prediction markets are placing a high likelihood that Hassett will succeed Jerome Powell in the role.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 2 Dec. 2025
As snowplow crews continue to treat the roads and highways throughout the next few days, there is a likelihood that icy conditions may remain along the roads.
—Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 2 Dec. 2025
The likelihood of a rate cut now stands at 87%, according to CME FedWatch.
—Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 1 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 8 Dec. 2025.
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likelihood
noun
like·li·hood
ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d
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