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
Second, Schipper said, the probable trifecta of controlling the presidency and both chambers of Congress further increases the likelihood that Trump can enact his fiscal agenda.
—Peter Green, Quartz, 9 Nov. 2024
This level of detail reduces skepticism among recipients, increasing the likelihood of successful payment.
—Lars Daniel, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
The likelihood of funding drying up U.S. largesse toward Ukraine has become an increasingly tough sell to U.S. lawmakers, with months of delays and objections from hard-line Republicans over a $61-billion aid package that was eventually passed in spring.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
Heightening these concerns is the likelihood that the election will be decided by a comparatively tiny number of votes in a few swing states—raising the possibility that state-level challenges could throw the integrity of the election into doubt.
—Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for likelihood 
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Peter Green, Quartz, 9 Nov. 2024
This level of detail reduces skepticism among recipients, increasing the likelihood of successful payment.
—Lars Daniel, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
The likelihood of funding drying up U.S. largesse toward Ukraine has become an increasingly tough sell to U.S. lawmakers, with months of delays and objections from hard-line Republicans over a $61-billion aid package that was eventually passed in spring.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
Heightening these concerns is the likelihood that the election will be decided by a comparatively tiny number of votes in a few swing states—raising the possibility that state-level challenges could throw the integrity of the election into doubt.
—Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for likelihood
Articles Related to likelihood
Dictionary Entries Near likelihood
Cite this Entry
“Likelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likelihood. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
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likelihood
noun
like·li·hood
ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d
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