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
Musk continued to post dozens of messages condemning the original spending plan, seemingly dooming its chances of passage and increasing the likelihood of a government shutdown.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Intellectual salons aim to serve as facilitators, creating the conditions that increase the likelihood of these critical encounters.
—Vera Maslova, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
According to the researchers, the toxic combination of low magnesium and high levels of homocysteine can increase the likelihood of contracting gastrointestinal disease, several cancers, diabetes, and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
—Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 19 Dec. 2024
Surface water flooding is especially dangerous for cities with a high proportion of impervious soil coverage and hard surfaces—such as roads and parking lots—that prevent rainwater from being absorbed, increasing the likelihood and impact of flooding.
—Natalie Donback, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024
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.
Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Intellectual salons aim to serve as facilitators, creating the conditions that increase the likelihood of these critical encounters.
—Vera Maslova, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
According to the researchers, the toxic combination of low magnesium and high levels of homocysteine can increase the likelihood of contracting gastrointestinal disease, several cancers, diabetes, and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
—Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 19 Dec. 2024
Surface water flooding is especially dangerous for cities with a high proportion of impervious soil coverage and hard surfaces—such as roads and parking lots—that prevent rainwater from being absorbed, increasing the likelihood and impact of flooding.
—Natalie Donback, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for likelihood
Articles Related to likelihood
Dictionary Entries Near likelihood
Cite this Entry
“Likelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likelihood. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
likelihood
noun
like·li·hood
ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share