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
President Trump's approach to the office has been unconventional to say the least so the likelihood of a positive approval for too too long is pretty low.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
For perspective, the industry average likelihood for a car to hit 250,000 miles is 8.6 percent, so the Highlander Hybrid is about three times as likely to see a quarter-million miles compared to the typical vehicle.
—Karl Brauer, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Consuming more calories than necessary can lead to excess weight, increasing the likelihood of diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even cancer.1
One effective way to manage calorie intake is by reducing calories when cooking at home.
—Johna Burdeos, Health, 20 Jan. 2025
He was charged with evading arrest, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, reckless driving, failure to stop and render aid, and four counts of smuggling of persons with the likelihood of serious bodily injury or death.
—Bethany Blankley | The Center Square Contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for likelihood 
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Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
For perspective, the industry average likelihood for a car to hit 250,000 miles is 8.6 percent, so the Highlander Hybrid is about three times as likely to see a quarter-million miles compared to the typical vehicle.
—Karl Brauer, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Consuming more calories than necessary can lead to excess weight, increasing the likelihood of diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even cancer.1
One effective way to manage calorie intake is by reducing calories when cooking at home.
—Johna Burdeos, Health, 20 Jan. 2025
He was charged with evading arrest, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, reckless driving, failure to stop and render aid, and four counts of smuggling of persons with the likelihood of serious bodily injury or death.
—Bethany Blankley | The Center Square Contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for likelihood
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Cite this Entry
“Likelihood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/likelihood. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.
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likelihood
noun
like·li·hood
ˈlī-klē-ˌhu̇d
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