probability

noun

prob·​a·​bil·​i·​ty ˌprä-bə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

plural probabilities

1

a(1)

: the chance that a given event will occur

(2)

: the ratio of the number of outcomes in an exhaustive set of equally likely outcomes that produce a given event to the total number of possible outcomes

b

: a branch of mathematics concerned with the study of probabilities

2

: something (such as an event or circumstance) that is probable

3

: the quality or state of being probable

4

: a logical relation between statements such that evidence confirming one confirms the other to some degree

Synonyms of probability

• likelihood

Examples of probability in a Sentence

There is a low probability that you will be chosen.

There is some probability of rain tomorrow.

With the dark clouds moving in, rain seems more like a probability than a possibility.

The probability of a coin coming up heads is one out of every two tries.

Recent Examples on the Web

And when Tagovailoa does make bold throws there’s a high probability that Miami’s opponents end up with the ball, seeing as how Tagovailoa leads the NFL with 15 interceptions. —Miami Herald, 16 Dec. 2025

The technology looks for similarities in patterns and uses an algorithm to determine the probability of the two photos being of the same pet. —Dawn White, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025

Yet despite Aiyuk’s absence, along with a series of other injuries and bouts of adversity, the 49ers came out of Sunday’s win at 10-4 with a high probability of reaching the playoffs with three games remaining. —Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 15 Dec. 2025

In a study, which was published last year, Gallagher and her colleague found that the probability of young people taking out a payday loan decreases by about 18% within three years of a plasma donation center opening near them. —Chantelle Lee, Time, 15 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing probability

• conditional probability
• in all probability
• probability density
• probability density function
• probability distribution
• probability function

Rhymes for probability

• affability
• audibility
• bistability
• capability
• changeability
• contractility
• credibility
• culpability
• disability
• disutility
• durability
• fallibility

Kids Definition

probability

noun

prob·​a·​bil·​i·​ty ˌpräb-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

plural probabilities

1

: the quality or state of being probable

2

: something probable

3

a

: a measure of how often a particular event will happen if something which results in any of a number of possible events is done repeatedly

the probability of a coin coming up heads is ½

b

: a branch of mathematics concerned with the study of probabilities