The likelihoodof something happening is how likely it is to happen.
The likelihood of infection is minimal. [+ of]
There didn't seem much likelihood of it happening.
There is every likelihood that sanctions will work.
2. singular noun [NOUN that]
If something is a likelihood, it is likely to happen.
The likelihood is that your child will not develop diabetes.
That, as we all know, is not only a possibility but a likelihood.
3.
See in all likelihood
More Synonyms of likelihood
likelihood in British English
(ˈlaɪklɪˌhʊd) or likeliness (ˈlaɪklɪˌnɪs)
noun
1.
the condition of being likely or probable; probability
2.
something that is probable
3. statistics
the probability of a given sample being randomly drawn regarded as a function of the parameters of the population. The likelihood ratio is the ratio of this to the maximized likelihood
See also maximum likelihood
likelihood in American English
(ˈlaɪkliˌhʊd)
noun
the fact of being likely to happen or something that is likely to happen; probability
Word origin
ME liklihode: see likely & -hood
Examples of 'likelihood' in a sentence
likelihood
It would raise the likelihood of an accidental war with Moscow.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Not much likelihood of that.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Property Week, this reduces the likelihood of a sale.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
If you're going away, reduce the likelihood of pipes freezing by leaving your central heating on low.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
There is little likelihood that the ships will be engaged in hostilities.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The problems are compounded by the likelihood of reduced services while the account is being changed.
Tom Cannon Basic Marketing. Principles and Practice (1986)
There is also a higher likelihood of alienation.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
That would mean the likelihood of an easier draw in the first knockout round.
The Sun (2008)
The statistical likelihood of that happening would make winning the lottery seem an almost daily occurrence.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
There is little likelihood of a quick release for these migrants.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Regular brushing with toothpaste reduces the likelihood of tooth decay.
McCahill, T. A. Biology Basic Facts (1982)
So the likelihood of punishment happening seems remote.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It was understood last week there was little likelihood of any action.
The Sun (2015)
It aims to reduce the likelihood that they will need to be punished again.
The Sun (2008)
This raises the likelihood of healthy dividend growth from a company that resumed payments only in the previous financial year.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It is not possible to make an absolute diagnosis by these means alone but a strong likelihood can be suggested.
Chaitow, Leon The Beat Fatigue Workbook - how to identify the causes (1988)
This is a sign of things to come and highlights the strong likelihood that things are likely to get worse still.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
They get financial support while their cases are considered and there is a very strong likelihood they will end up staying permanently.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
One barrier to charges is the likelihood that people will turn to overstretched A&E units instead.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
This was not only a possibility, but at the time seemed a likelihood.
Oliver Poole BLACK KNIGHTS: On the Bloody Road to Baghdad (2003)
All this can be done within a short predictable time, with little likelihood of failure.
Hopkins, Tom The Guide to Greatness in Sales (1994)
There doesn't seem to be much likelihood of him taking a regular seat in the audience in the foreseeable future.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
When this sort of dislocation happens in industry or public services, there is discontent and a higher likelihood of strikes.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
There is more likelihood of people - security and volunteers - keeping an eye out for you.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Surely artificially lighting up the site would increase the likelihood of people trying to stop on the side of the A303 to get a better view?
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
A lack of rights, and enforcement of those rights, for domestic workers means a higher likelihood of extreme exploitation.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
In other languages
likelihood
British English: likelihood NOUN
The likelihood of something happening is how likely it is to happen.
The likelihood of infection is minimal.
American English: likelihood
Brazilian Portuguese: probabilidade
Chinese: 可能性
European Spanish: probabilidad
French: probabilité
German: Wahrscheinlichkeit
Italian: probabilità
Japanese: 見込み
Korean: 가능성
European Portuguese: probabilidade
Latin American Spanish: probabilidad
Chinese translation of 'likelihood'
likelihood
(ˈlaɪklɪhud)
n(u/s)
可能性 (kěnéngxìng)
there is every likelihood that ... 非常有可能 ... (fēicháng yǒu kěnéng ... )
in all likelihood十有八九 (shí yǒu bā jiǔ)
(noun)
Definition
chance
The likelihood is that people would be willing to pay.
Synonyms
probability
There is a high probability of success.
chance
This partnership has a good chance of success.
possibility
There is still a possibility of unrest in the country.
prospect
There is little prospect of having these questions answered.
liability
anyone whose medical history shows a liability to thromboses
good chance
strong possibility
reasonableness
likeliness
Additional synonyms
in the sense of chance
Definition
the extent to which something is likely to happen
This partnership has a good chance of success.
Synonyms
probability,
odds,
possibility,
prospect,
liability,
likelihood
in the sense of liability
anyone whose medical history shows a liability to thromboses
Synonyms
tendency,
susceptibility,
proneness,
likelihood,
probability
in the sense of possibility
Definition
the state of being possible
There is still a possibility of unrest in the country.
Synonyms
likelihood,
chance,
risk,
odds,
prospect,
liability,
hazard,
probability
Synonyms of 'likelihood'
likelihood
Explore 'likelihood' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of prospect
There is little prospect of having these questions answered.