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.

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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

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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

Analysts say that the recent surge in Iranian ships arriving in Asian waters in July means that Iran will likely receive billions in oil revenue in the months to come.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 18, 2026

The parents debated whether they should share such a private part of their lives and decided to wait until Whimsy had finished her treatments and doctors had a better grasp on the likely outcome.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 18, 2026

Even Amazon can recognize the importance of a piece of direct mail that makes holiday shopping less likely to cause choice paralysis.

From Salon ● Jul. 18, 2026

Instead of guiding the market toward the likely outcome of the upcoming meeting, the new Fed chair, Kevin Warsh, has remained silent about the central bank’s plans.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 18, 2026

The two men knew she was more likely to return to mediumship in the city than in Crooksville.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

Beijing’s general anxiety about the national-security implications of its growing AI industry is a likelier explanation.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 27, 2026

People using GLP-1s were likelier to buy stretchy athleisure gear and tended to join workout clubs and take up activities like jogging and dog-walking, the analysts said.

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 20, 2026

Firms that use AI particularly frequently were in fact four percent likelier to hire new staff than average, the economists said in a blog post.

From Barron's ● Mar. 4, 2026

With the EV market dialed back, executives at Ford and competitors see hybrid vehicles as a likelier technology to gain steam among U.S. car buyers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 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

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

Now Spirit is gone, robbing us all of the airline likeliest to pester United, Delta, and American into lowering their prices more quickly once fuel prices go down.

From Slate ● May 12, 2026

While unexpected Mac Mini demand is still the likeliest scenario, Apple could be managing inventory ahead of its next product cycle, said Counterpoint’s senior analyst Minsoo Kang.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 17, 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