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 29-year-old Skubal is set to hit free agency after this season, so the Tigers — who are 53-58 and 2½ games out of the last American League wild-card spot — faced the likelihood of losing him in free agency for no return. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026

If Friday’s July jobs report comes in stronger than expected, that could increase the likelihood that the Fed increases interest rates at its September meeting — provided there’s no break in inflation. — Zev Fima,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026

In a landmark Harvard Business Review article, executives systematically overestimated the likelihood of favorable outcomes. — Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

That can increase the likelihood and progression of a variety of chronic illnesses, Holt-Lundstad said. — Taylor Seely, USA Today, 1 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