likelihood

Or like·li·ness

[lahyk-lee-hood]

noun

1. the state of being likely or probable; probability.

2. a probability or chance of something.

   There is a strong likelihood of his being elected.

3. Archaic.,  indication of a favorable end; promise.

likelihood

/ ˈlaɪklɪˌnɪs, ˈlaɪklɪˌhʊd /

noun

1. the condition of being likely or probable; probability

2. something that is probable

3. statistics the probability of a given sample being randomly drawn regarded as a function of the parameters of the population. The likelihood ratio is the ratio of this to the maximized likelihood See also maximum likelihood

Other Word Forms

• superlikelihood noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of likelihood¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, likelihood is from the Middle English word liklihood. See likely, -hood

Example Sentences

The Department for Transport said Heathrow's own proposal offered the most deliverable option, and the "greatest likelihood" of getting a decision on planning approval within this parliament.

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They aimed to identify which structure had the greatest likelihood of enduring space.

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Interest-rate futures markets saw a strong likelihood on Monday of a rate cut next month, according to CME Group, but that is a recent development.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The team monitored more than 96,000 participants for several years to see how long-term eating habits influenced the likelihood of developing this persistent gastrointestinal issue.

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Oil prices slipped, extending last week’s fall, as investors weighed the likelihood of a Ukraine-Russia peace deal.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• possibility 
• probability 
• prospect 
• tendency 
• trend