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

The likelihood of instability might increase because of the economic crisis.

—Fareed Zakaria

… could reduce the likelihood of a fire in their convenience store by banning smoking in their building …

—Harriet E. Jones et al.

Synonyms of likelihood

• probability

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

Research has shown that compression socks can help to reduce the likelihood of deep vein thrombosis, which is when blood clots form in veins, typically in your legs or arms, while traveling. —Mary Beth Skylis, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2026

Challenges outside the operating room Not every person with advanced disease has an equal shot at a new organ, and not everyone in America has an equal likelihood of needing one. —Karen Weintraub, USA Today, 3 May 2026

Both days could produce thunderstorms but Thursday has the higher likelihood of storms as the front moves through. —Rachael Jay, CBS News, 3 May 2026

The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

see likely entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing likelihood

• maximum likelihood

Rhymes for likelihood

• misunderstood
• unlikelihood
• adulthood
• babyhood
• brotherhood
• cottonwood
• fatherhood
• firewood
• fuelwood
• hardihood
• ironwood
• leatherwood

Kids Definition

likelihood

noun

like·​li·​hood ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d 

: probability sense 1