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
On the other hand the uncertainty regarding U.S. crypto policy continues exist, even as the likelihood of a new SEC chairperson and a pro-crypto Congress seem solidified.
—Sean Stein Smith, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
The likelihood of another 25 in December increased after Friday’s employment report, even with the negative impacts of the Florida hurricanes and Boeing strike, saw nonfarm payroll growth of just 12,000 versus the 100,000 expected.
—Jeff Marks,morgan Chittum, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2024
The system, which is moving eastwards in the opposite direction to the U.S., has the same likelihood of becoming a tropical cyclone across the next 7 days.
—Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
Numerous studies have also found that preterm births and infant mortality likelihoods rise with the temperature.
—Li Cohen, CBS News, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for likelihood 
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Sean Stein Smith, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
The likelihood of another 25 in December increased after Friday’s employment report, even with the negative impacts of the Florida hurricanes and Boeing strike, saw nonfarm payroll growth of just 12,000 versus the 100,000 expected.
—Jeff Marks,morgan Chittum, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2024
The system, which is moving eastwards in the opposite direction to the U.S., has the same likelihood of becoming a tropical cyclone across the next 7 days.
—Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
Numerous studies have also found that preterm births and infant mortality likelihoods rise with the temperature.
—Li Cohen, CBS News, 31 Oct. 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 14 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
likelihood
noun
like·li·hood
ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share