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
The likelihood is something in between and one heck of a nap needed before the Crimson Tide trek to Nashville.
—Joe Rexrode, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
The strongest winds – and the highest likelihood of a sting jet – are expected along the Washington-Oregon border area, posing the risk of wind damage, power outages and downed trees through Tuesday morning.
—Marc Ramirez, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
Greater access to in-person early voting also increases the likelihood of a person’s ballot counting, since mail-in ballots tend to be rejected at higher rates than in-person votes.
—Stephen C. Phillips, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2025
This perception can intensify the anxiety of being in relationships, increase the likelihood of staying in unhealthy relationships, and make coping with rejection more difficult.
—Eric Wood, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
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Joe Rexrode, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
The strongest winds – and the highest likelihood of a sting jet – are expected along the Washington-Oregon border area, posing the risk of wind damage, power outages and downed trees through Tuesday morning.
—Marc Ramirez, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
Greater access to in-person early voting also increases the likelihood of a person’s ballot counting, since mail-in ballots tend to be rejected at higher rates than in-person votes.
—Stephen C. Phillips, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2025
This perception can intensify the anxiety of being in relationships, increase the likelihood of staying in unhealthy relationships, and make coping with rejection more difficult.
—Eric Wood, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
Articles Related to likelihood
Cite this Entry
“Likelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likelihood. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
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likelihood
noun
like·li·hood
ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d
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