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

Critically though, they discovered that those with the most impaired drainage systems were significantly more likely to go on to develop dementia years later, according to Markus.

From BBC ● Jul. 19, 2026

Analysts say that the recent surge in Iranian ships arriving in Asian waters in July means that Iran will likely receive billions in oil revenue in the months to come.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 18, 2026

The parents debated whether they should share such a private part of their lives and decided to wait until Whimsy had finished her treatments and doctors had a better grasp on the likely outcome.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 18, 2026

Even Amazon can recognize the importance of a piece of direct mail that makes holiday shopping less likely to cause choice paralysis.

From Salon ● Jul. 18, 2026

These species would most likely be extinct were it not for human intervention.

From "Camp Panda" by Catherine Thimmesh

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

Beijing’s general anxiety about the national-security implications of its growing AI industry is a likelier explanation.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 27, 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

The Warner Bros. board has said it believes that Netflix’s $82.7 billion proposal offers better value, stronger financing and a likelier path to regulatory approval.

From MarketWatch ● Feb. 17, 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

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

We spoke this past week about what these companies must do differently to win back stock buyers, and which stocks look likeliest to bounce back.

From Barron's ● Apr. 16, 2026

They found the likeliest path down and began tugging at the dead wood.

From "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding

Related Words

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