likelihood
noun
like·li·hood
ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d 
: the chance that something will happen : probability
There's very little likelihood of that happening. [=that is very unlikely to happen]
changes that in all likelihood will be made soon [=changes that are very likely to be made soon]
… a strong likelihood that he is correct …—
T. D. Anderson
T. D. AndersonThe likelihood of instability might increase because of the economic crisis.—Fareed Zakaria
Fareed Zakaria… could reduce the likelihood of a fire in their convenience store by banning smoking in their building …—Harriet E. Jones et al.
Harriet E. Jones et al.Examples of likelihood in a Sentence
There is a strong likelihood that he will be reelected.
the weatherman on TV said that the likelihood of rain today was fairly high
Recent Examples on the Web
Along with this comes a lack of awareness about eating disorders, stigma and unhealthy attitudes and assumptions toward mental health from coaches and other athletic personnel, all of which can impede an athlete’s likelihood of seeking care.
—Emily Hemendinger, The Conversation, 13 Feb. 2026
Sharma noted that washing grapes damages their bloom, a powdery coating that forms naturally on some fruits, thereby increasing the likelihood of moisture loss and the entry of contaminants.
—Alma Avalle, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Feb. 2026
The recent batch of labor market data (both public and private) indicated that there’s a high likelihood that job growth was tepid, that unemployment remained subdued and that health care remained a primary driver of overall hiring.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Eldridge, in all likelihood, won’t be anything more than an emergency outfielder in the same way that teams have an emergency catcher.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
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Emily Hemendinger, The Conversation, 13 Feb. 2026
Sharma noted that washing grapes damages their bloom, a powdery coating that forms naturally on some fruits, thereby increasing the likelihood of moisture loss and the entry of contaminants.
—Alma Avalle, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Feb. 2026
The recent batch of labor market data (both public and private) indicated that there’s a high likelihood that job growth was tepid, that unemployment remained subdued and that health care remained a primary driver of overall hiring.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Eldridge, in all likelihood, won’t be anything more than an emergency outfielder in the same way that teams have an emergency catcher.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for likelihood
Cite this Entry
“Likelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likelihood. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
likelihood
noun
like·li·hood
ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d
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