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
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
Given these probabilities, a June Fed rate cut looks very likely, while a May Fed interest rate cut appears unlikely.
—
Jason Schenker, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
In addition to JPMorgan, analysts at Goldman Sachs have recently raised their 12-month recession probability from 15 percent to 20 percent, the Wall Street Journal reported.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
Goldman Sachs, for instance, cut its GDP outlook for 2025 to 1.7%, down half a percentage point from the previous forecast, while nudging up the 12-month recession probability to just 20%, from 15%.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2025
Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, told ABC News his firm raised its gauge of the probability of a recession to 35%.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for probability
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Jason Schenker, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
In addition to JPMorgan, analysts at Goldman Sachs have recently raised their 12-month recession probability from 15 percent to 20 percent, the Wall Street Journal reported.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
Goldman Sachs, for instance, cut its GDP outlook for 2025 to 1.7%, down half a percentage point from the previous forecast, while nudging up the 12-month recession probability to just 20%, from 15%.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2025
Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, told ABC News his firm raised its gauge of the probability of a recession to 35%.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for probability
Cite this Entry
“Probability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probability. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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