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.

---

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

---

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

Research from Shu Cole, a professor at Indiana University’s School of Public Health, consistently shows that the farther people go, the less likely they are to report feeling depressed or isolated.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026

Fellow forward Liam Delap is also likely to leave the Blues, with a £50m fee agreed with Nottingham Forest for the striker.

From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026

Whoever looks better against the Rams could secure QB2 on the depth chart, while the other will likely receive a practice-squad opportunity, if not a shot elsewhere.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026

However, Schultze said that Meta’s position as a “Magnificent Seven” company means that automated index inflows likely have a bigger influence on the stock than headline-driven developments.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 26, 2026

It is very dead; in fact, it is extremely and permanently dead, and likely to remain so.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

Previous chairs could persuade a colleague against dissenting with a tweak to the statement—a hawkish phrase here, a dovish nod there—or by implying that action was likelier at a later meeting.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026

But plenty of pop stars, from Madonna to Britney Spears, have changed their brand as they age without losing faith from their fans, which means the likelier explanation for Swift’s dip in popularity is financial.

From Salon ● Jul. 8, 2026

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

But on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, users were likelier to stumble across news while doing something else.

From Barron's ● Jun. 15, 2026

But, surely, it was likelier my bag'd be here than anywhere else in the wood.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell

Currently, the likeliest answer, by some distance, is Manchester United.

From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026

Most analysts however still believe the likeliest outcome is that policymakers will keep the benchmark rate on hold at 2.25 percent.

From Barron's ● Jul. 20, 2026

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

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