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
That is critical, South Carolina conservatives say, in a crowded race where there is a high likelihood for a June 23 runoff if no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 8 June 2026
While temperatures rise this week, the likelihood of rain will remain low.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 7 June 2026
Whether or not Raman’s new lead lasts, Pratt might be thinking of ordering movers one way or another as the likelihood of him prevailing in the heavily Democratic metropolis seems slim.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 7 June 2026
But if the ongoing investigation shows that there were more – 100 or even 200 deaths by late May – the modeling predicts a much higher likelihood of this growing into a massive outbreak.
—Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Money, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
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Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 8 June 2026
While temperatures rise this week, the likelihood of rain will remain low.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 7 June 2026
Whether or not Raman’s new lead lasts, Pratt might be thinking of ordering movers one way or another as the likelihood of him prevailing in the heavily Democratic metropolis seems slim.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 7 June 2026
But if the ongoing investigation shows that there were more – 100 or even 200 deaths by late May – the modeling predicts a much higher likelihood of this growing into a massive outbreak.
—Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Money, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
Cite this Entry
“Likelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likelihood. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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likelihood
noun
like·li·hood
ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d
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