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

These leaders argued that, with appropriate oversight, viruses could be manipulated, making them more transmissible or deadly, to evaluate how likely they were to make the leap to humans from animals.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

Nonetheless, Kim forecast memory chip prices are likely to rise "at least 30 percent in the third quarter" with supply shortages likely to persist through to 2028.

From Barron's ● Jul. 28, 2026

The matter is likely to be a topic of conversation at the next Fifa Council meeting in the autumn and then around the Fifa Intercontinental Cup, featuring Champions League winners Paris St-Germain, in December.

From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026

The EOB is not a bill: It is your insurer’s account of how the claim was processed, what insurance covered and how much you likely owe.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 28, 2026

“How will we explain ourselves? He ain’t likely to believe we’re stargazers.”

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

But plenty of pop stars, from Madonna to Britney Spears, have changed their brand as they age without losing faith from their fans, which means the likelier explanation for Swift’s dip in popularity is financial.

From Salon ● Jul. 8, 2026

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

They also argued that GLP-1 use was likelier to lead people to cut back on snacking more, as they save their appetites for dining out.

From MarketWatch ● May 14, 2026

With the EV market dialed back, executives at Ford and competitors see hybrid vehicles as a likelier technology to gain steam among U.S. car buyers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 15, 2026

Intelligent people are likelier than less intelligent ones to escape those causes of high mortality in traditional New Guinea societies.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

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

From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026

The likeliest outcome for 2032 is the same pattern.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 10, 2026

Film critic Amy Nicholson and film editor Joshua Rothkopf discuss the festival’s muted American presence, the likeliest awards contenders and more in their Cannes preview.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 15, 2026

Now Spirit is gone, robbing us all of the airline likeliest to pester United, Delta, and American into lowering their prices more quickly once fuel prices go down.

From Slate ● May 12, 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