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
Chappell, in her ruling, also pointed out that the plaintiffs had a likelihood of success in their claim that the facility’s policy of recording and monitoring legal phone calls violated the detainees’ First Amendment rights.
—Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
The data revealed Black babies have a higher likelihood to die than others and that mothers of color also face the brunt of unequal access to care and predisposition to certain medical conditions.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2026
By then, the element of surprise is gone, the force may face enemy reinforcements, and the operators' exhaustion increases the likelihood of mistakes.
—Sheena Samu, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
The last-minute impasse imperiled the likelihood of a swift end to the DHS shutdown, which has upended airport security across the country.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
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Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
The data revealed Black babies have a higher likelihood to die than others and that mothers of color also face the brunt of unequal access to care and predisposition to certain medical conditions.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 27 Mar. 2026
By then, the element of surprise is gone, the force may face enemy reinforcements, and the operators' exhaustion increases the likelihood of mistakes.
—Sheena Samu, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
The last-minute impasse imperiled the likelihood of a swift end to the DHS shutdown, which has upended airport security across the country.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 27 Mar. 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 2 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
likelihood
noun
like·li·hood
ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d
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