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

In all likelihood, Newcastle will be looking to make a significant sale or two each summer for the foreseeable future as that will provide them with greater capacity to reinvest. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 2026

Fed funds futures traders are pricing in an almost 59% likelihood that the central bank increases interest rates in September, according to CME’s FedWatch tool. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 18 July 2026

Key background Scientists say climate change is creating hotter, drier conditions and longer fire seasons, increasing the likelihood of large, intense wildfires across North America. — Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

In all likelihood, the legends of those battles, passed down through song, grew into myth, hence how the character of Odysseus was probably born. — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 17 July 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