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

These leaders argued that, with appropriate oversight, viruses could be manipulated, making them more transmissible or deadly, to evaluate how likely they were to make the leap to humans from animals.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

Nonetheless, Kim forecast memory chip prices are likely to rise "at least 30 percent in the third quarter" with supply shortages likely to persist through to 2028.

From Barron's ● Jul. 28, 2026

The alert warns that significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions.

From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026

The EOB is not a bill: It is your insurer’s account of how the claim was processed, what insurance covered and how much you likely owe.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 28, 2026

“Isn’t it still most likely my mum was killed when the Germans attacked Warsaw?”

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

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

From Barron's ● Jun. 15, 2026

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

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