likely

American  

[lahyk-lee] / ˈlaɪk li /

adjective

likelier, likeliest

1. probably or apparently destined (usually followed by an infinitive).

   something not likely to happen.

2. seeming like truth, fact, or certainty; reasonably to be believed or expected; believable.

   a likely story.

3. seeming to fulfill requirements or expectations; apparently suitable.

   a likely place for a restaurant.

   Synonyms:

   appropriate

4. showing promise of achievement or excellence; promising.

   a fine, likely young man.

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adverb

1. probably.

   We will likely stay home this evening.

likely British  

/ ˈlaɪklɪ /

adjective

1. (usually foll by an infinitive) tending or inclined; apt

   likely to rain

2. probable

   a likely result

3. believable or feasible; plausible

4. appropriate for a purpose or activity

5. having good possibilities of success

   a likely candidate

6. dialect attractive, agreeable, or enjoyable

   her likely ways won her many friends

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adverb

1. probably or presumably

2. very probably

Usage

Likely in the senses “probably destined” and “probably” is often preceded by a qualifying word like very, more, or quite: The board is very likely to turn down the request. The new system will quite likely increase profits. However, despite statements to the contrary in some usage guides, likely in these senses is standard without such a qualifier in all varieties of English: It will likely be a bitter debate. The shipment will likely arrive on Thursday. See also apt, liable.

Likely as an adverb is preceded by another, intensifying adverb, as in it will very likely rain or it will most likely rain. Its use without an intensifier, as in it will likely rain is regarded as unacceptable by most users of British English, though it is common in colloquial US English

Etymology

Origin of likely

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English likli, from Old Norse līkligr; see like ¹, -ly

Explanation

If something's probably true, it's likely. When you walk in the rain, it's likely that your shoes will get wet. Likely is an adjective that's perfect for describing things you can imagine happening, such as the likely destination of next summer's vacation. Any time that something is in the cards, or bound to happen, you can explain that it's likely to happen. Though it's rarely used this way today in American English, one meaning of likely since the 15th century has been "good looking or attractive."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

likely likelier likeliest

While the Fed, Bank of Japan and Bank of England are likely to leave rates unchanged, a hawkish tilt could cap any gains in gold, he says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

Northern and Western parts of the UK may have some cloud on Wednesday night, however, the conditions in southern and eastern areas are likely to stay clear.

From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026

The remedy, English said, would require Warsh to break his silence and say where he thinks things are headed, by signaling a modest adjustment was more likely than an open-ended hiking campaign.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

The findings come as women are more likely to get Alzheimer’s disease.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026

It’s likely that he had another name prior to coming up to the Very, Very Far North, but Squint is the name Duane gave him, so Squint he will be.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el

Based on the timing of their filings, they could launch IPOs as soon as August, but post-Labor Day is much likelier, according to people familiar with the matter.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 1, 2026

That language is expected to come out, an acknowledgment that a cut is now no likelier than a hike.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 17, 2026

People using GLP-1s were likelier to buy stretchy athleisure gear and tended to join workout clubs and take up activities like jogging and dog-walking, the analysts said.

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 20, 2026

Firms that use AI particularly frequently were in fact four percent likelier to hire new staff than average, the economists said in a blog post.

From Barron's ● Mar. 4, 2026

But, surely, it was likelier my bag'd be here than anywhere else in the wood.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell

Currently, the likeliest answer, by some distance, is Manchester United.

From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026

Most analysts however still believe the likeliest outcome is that policymakers will keep the benchmark rate on hold at 2.25 percent.

From Barron's ● Jul. 20, 2026

The likeliest outcome for 2032 is the same pattern.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 10, 2026

Many voters are still getting to know Becerra, who is the likeliest candidate to be California’s next governor.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 31, 2026

‘That’s indeed the likeliest explanation,’ Inspector Pearce said.

From "The London Eye Mystery" by Siobhan Dowd

Related Words

• acceptable
• expected
• fair
• feasible
• inclined
• possible
• prone
• reasonable