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 yield on 30-year Treasurys briefly hit its highest level since 2002, with traders pricing in a 90% likelihood of a Federal Reserve rate hike by year-end driven by concerns over inflation. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Traders now see a 77% chance that the Federal Reserve will hold rates steady at its October meeting, according to the CME Group’s FedWatch tool, though traders still see a high likelihood for a hike at its meeting in December. — Sarah Min,davis Giangiulio,sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026

The likelihood of hearing this any place was like, infinitesimal. — Katie Bain, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2026

Frequent use of online sports betting increases the likelihood that a household files for bankruptcy and worsens debt delinquency. — Bobby Allyn, NPR, 2 Oct. 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