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
Yankees Lineup Questions Considering how many aging players the team relies on, their offseason didn’t reflect the likelihood of major injuries.
—Daniel R. Epstein, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead.
—Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2025
Regular deep cleaning will keep things sanitary and reduce the likelihood of pests camping out in your kitchen.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2025
This proximity increases the likelihood of bruising when the filler is injected.
—Carlos Wolf, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2025
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Daniel R. Epstein, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead.
—Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2025
Regular deep cleaning will keep things sanitary and reduce the likelihood of pests camping out in your kitchen.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2025
This proximity increases the likelihood of bruising when the filler is injected.
—Carlos Wolf, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 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 19 Mar. 2025.
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likelihood
noun
like·li·hood
ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d
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