likelihood

noun

like·​li·​hood ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce likelihood (audio)
: 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.

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While the likelihood of seeing the northern lights will be low for most of the U.S. on Tuesday and Wednesday, Alaska and states near the Canadian border will have a higher chance of seeing the lights. Julia Gomez, USA Today, 25 June 2025 The concept of behavioral forecasting, as introduced to me by Dr. Corey Crossan through our work together, has its roots in disciplines like criminology, such as predicting the likelihood of a repeat offense, and in health, predicting the probability of illness based on behaviors. Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 And the administration’s turn away from investments in clean energy technologies increases the likelihood that China could come to dominate that sector while cuts to education and basic research funding undermine long-term U.S. competitiveness overall. Rebecca Lissner, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 The likelihood of a deal with Chavarria could not immediately be learned. Miles Socha, Footwear News, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for likelihood

Word History

Etymology

see likely entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of likelihood was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Likelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likelihood. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

likelihood

noun
like·​li·​hood ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce likelihood (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on likelihood

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