likelihood

American  

[lahyk-lee-hood] / ˈlaɪk liˌhʊd /

Or likeliness

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.

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likelihood British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• superlikelihood noun

Etymology

Origin of likelihood

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

Example Sentences

In a dire emergency, the patrols are prepared to eat the dogs to survive, though "the likelihood of that happening is very small".

From Barron's

Large cohort studies also suggest that people who regularly drink tea have a lower risk of death from all causes, reduced rates of CVDs, and a decreased likelihood of developing certain cancers.

From Science Daily

Diets centered on lower glycemic index foods were associated with a reduced likelihood of developing dementia, while higher GI diets were linked to greater risk.

From Science Daily

“I just...I mean, what’s the likelihood of something like that happening?”

From Literature

Meanwhile, traders on prediction markets placed bets on the likelihood of another government shutdown.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• possibility
• probability
• prospect
• tendency
• trend