the state of being likely or probable; probability.
a probability or chance of something: There is a strong likelihood of his being elected.
Archaic. indication of a favorable end; promise.
Origin of likelihood
First recorded in 1350–1400, likelihood is from the Middle English word liklihood.See likely, -hood
OTHER WORDS FROM likelihood
su·per·like·li·hood,noun
Words nearby likelihood
like gangbusters, like greased lightning, like hell, like hot cakes, go, like it or lump it, likelihood, likely, likely as not, like mad, like-minded, liken
We typically focus on the most trafficked pages to increase the likelihood of big, impactful wins.
How to drive digital innovation necessary during the pandemic|Nick Chasinov|September 16, 2020|Search Engine Watch
That will also up the likelihood of uncovering material suitable for radiocarbon dating and revealing the age of the earthworks.
Drones find signs of a Native American ‘Great Settlement’ beneath a Kansas pasture|Bruce Bower|September 10, 2020|Science News
He says in all likelihood research will confirm the link to climate change in the future, even though there’s not enough evidence right now.
Slow, meandering hurricanes are often more dangerous—and they’re getting more common|Greta Moran|September 9, 2020|Popular Science
Not to mention, the likelihood that people can comfortably wear a mask while exercising heavily is pretty slim.
The safest ways to exercise during a pandemic|Sara Kiley Watson|September 9, 2020|Popular Science
There is a high likelihood the adverse event will turn out not to be related to the vaccine, he said in an email.
Some scientists downplay significance of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine trial halt|Claire Zillman, reporter|September 9, 2020|Fortune
Having a criminal record can reduce the likelihood of getting a callback or job offer by 50 percent.
His First Day Out Of Jail After 40 Years: Adjusting To Life Outside|Justin Rohrlich|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
In all likelihood this last option is what we will get for the foreseeable future.
In the Middle East, the Two-State Solution Is Dead|Dean Obeidallah|January 2, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The grand jury will in all likelihood side with Wilson here.
Why Darren Wilson Will Walk|Dean Obeidallah|November 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In all likelihood, the pronouncement of death will likely include even more gray area in the future.
What It’s Like to Wake Up Dead|Dr. Anand Veeravagu, MD, Tej Azad|November 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
For the overwhelming majority of people in this country, the likelihood of contracting it is fleetingly small.
Parents’ Ebola Panic Is Taking Over My Clinic|Russell Saunders|October 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The germ and shadow and likelihood of each of those acts is in the fashion and line and detail of her garments.
I, Mary MacLane|Mary MacLane
For answer Johnny whistled once, cupping his lips with his hands, to reduce the likelihood of arousing anyone on board.
Sign of the Green Arrow|Roy J. (Roy Judson) Snell
The much debated topic anent the likelihood of the Sixth Division being sent to join Methuen was settled at last—to our chagrin.
The Siege of Kimberley|T. Phelan
It is impossible to calculate the numbers with any likelihood of accuracy.
The Soul of John Brown|Stephen Graham
I have detailed the benefits which will accrue to me, and the trouble which will in all likelihood accrue to you.
Stories by American Authors, Volume 1|Various
British Dictionary definitions for likelihood
likelihood
likeliness (ˈlaɪklɪˌnɪs)
/ (ˈlaɪklɪˌhʊd) /
noun
the condition of being likely or probable; probability
something that is probable
statisticsthe 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 likelihoodSee also maximum likelihood