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
The price of that contract changes with the probability of the outcome.
—
Paolo Confino, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024
Pollster Nate Silver's Silver Bulletin projects an even wider margin, with Trump at a 53.8 percent probability of winning to Harris' 45.8 percent.
—Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024
Offshore bettors have pushed up the probability of Trump winning all but two of those states.
—Jim Sergent, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024
Harris wins, but the government is divided A 40% probability, with the S & P 500 to fall 1.5% This scenario has the greatest likelihood to come true of the four possible election outcomes.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for probability 
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Paolo Confino, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024
Pollster Nate Silver's Silver Bulletin projects an even wider margin, with Trump at a 53.8 percent probability of winning to Harris' 45.8 percent.
—Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024
Offshore bettors have pushed up the probability of Trump winning all but two of those states.
—Jim Sergent, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024
Harris wins, but the government is divided A 40% probability, with the S & P 500 to fall 1.5% This scenario has the greatest likelihood to come true of the four possible election outcomes.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for probability
Dictionary Entries Near probability
Cite this Entry
“Probability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probability. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
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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