likelihood
Americannoun
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the state of being likely or probable; probability.
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a probability or chance of something.
There is a strong likelihood of his being elected.
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Archaic. indication of a favorable end; promise.
noun
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the condition of being likely or probable; probability
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something that is probable
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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
Etymology
Origin of likelihood
First recorded in 1350–1400, likelihood is from the Middle English word liklihood. See likely, -hood
Explanation
The likelihood of something means the odds that it will happen, or how likely a particular outcome is. Your likelihood of winning the lottery is pretty slim. If you figured out the likelihood of winning the lottery before you bought a scratch ticket, you might end up spending your money on something else. Likelihood indicates probability or chance. The likelihood that you'll convince your stubborn dog to get in your car completely depends on how many dog treats you've got in your pocket.
Vocabulary lists containing likelihood
Statistics and Probability - Middle School
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Because of Mr. Terupt
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Jacob Have I Loved
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Despite granting her bail, Judge Martin Picton told Reed's barrister: "She must understand, as I am sure you've explained, the strong likelihood of immediate custody on the next occasion."
From BBC • May 27, 2026
Now, experts say this aging infrastructure is converging with population growth and regulatory rollbacks that are increasing the likelihood that similar incidents will happen again.
From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026
After pooling the data, researchers found a clear connection between higher intake of legumes and soy foods and a reduced likelihood of developing high blood pressure.
From Science Daily • May 26, 2026
Others are cultivating the same crops, but opting to use less fertilizer, raising the likelihood of lower yields.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026
I began to understand why Emma had been so reluctant to believe me; it would mean, in all likelihood, that I was here to deliver bad news about my grandfather.
From "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
