likelihood
Americannoun
-
likelihoods
plural
-
the state of being likely or probable; probability.
-
a probability or chance of something.
There is a strong likelihood of his being elected.
-
Archaic. indication of a favorable end; promise.
noun
-
the condition of being likely or probable; probability
-
something that is probable
-
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
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Because of Mr. Terupt
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Jacob Have I Loved
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
See Examples For:
The Met Office has said the current seasonal outlook suggests an increased likelihood of wetter than average conditions during autumn, in part due to the El Niño weather event.
From BBC ● Oct. 11, 2026
As the S&P 500 rises toward 10,000, the value of these contracts will likely increase, along with their likelihood of delivering a payoff.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 10, 2026
US climate prediction scientists this week reported that the likelihood the pattern would reach strong-to-very strong levels, potentially making history, into the winter was now at 83 percent.
From Barron's ● Oct. 9, 2026
Last month he told the BBC that it’s “not unreasonable” to put the likelihood of such an outcome at 10%.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026
She heads for the stairway, holding a hand to her forehead, and the likelihood of my ever coming to be seems more and more remote.
From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides
We do not ascribe likelihoods to either scenario.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2026
The danger arises when people believe that the model is retrieving truth rather than generating likelihoods.
From Salon ● May 12, 2026
Defense departments around the world are preparing for higher likelihoods of conflict.
From Barron's ● Feb. 28, 2026
In the end, Mr. Murray approaches the whole question less as a person of faith than as a social scientist, weighing likelihoods and limiting his conclusions.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 17, 2025
About the matrimonial likelihoods of gentlemen with titles and estates Fame, that most tuft-hunting of divinities, is always distending her cheeks, and blowing the very finest flourishes her old trumpet affords.
From Wylder's Hand by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
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.
