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 of likelihood

• 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 White House has previously downplayed the likelihood of immigration agents being deployed to polling locations, but Trump has refused to rule it out. — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Practically, Sinner’s withdrawal increases the likelihood of a Spanish remontada. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Based on its crime rates, risk of natural disasters and the likelihood of traffic fatalities, Pittsburgh ranked among the top 10 safest big cities in America in a recent report. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

The watermark only indicates the likelihood of Claude's involvement, not the degree of AI use, and doesn't identify other AI tools. — Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

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