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
The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2025
In addition, more women are living longer after menopause, which can increase the likelihood of developing ILC compared with other types of breast cancer.
—Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
Others have sung a different tune on the likelihood of the sector’s success, pointing to decades of underinvestment and a global game of catch-up.
—Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2025
In particular, this history suggests that when each side views the other as an existential threat, maintaining political power becomes the greatest imperative—which only increases the likelihood of authoritarian solutions arising as a result.
—Time, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
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.
Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2025
In addition, more women are living longer after menopause, which can increase the likelihood of developing ILC compared with other types of breast cancer.
—Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
Others have sung a different tune on the likelihood of the sector’s success, pointing to decades of underinvestment and a global game of catch-up.
—Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2025
In particular, this history suggests that when each side views the other as an existential threat, maintaining political power becomes the greatest imperative—which only increases the likelihood of authoritarian solutions arising as a result.
—Time, 21 Oct. 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 23 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
likelihood
noun
like·li·hood
ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share