likelihood

likelihood — noun

1. the degree to which something is probable or can be expected to occur

1.nounB2
Definition

the degree to which something is probable or can be expected to occur

Example

The likelihood of rain increased as dark clouds gathered over the city.

likelihood of + noun for weather events

Hamza saw little likelihood that the committee would approve his funding request.

little likelihood + that-clause (negative)

Common collocations
  • strong likelihood
  • high likelihood
  • great likelihood
  • little likelihood
  • slim likelihood
  • reduce the likelihood
  • increase the likelihood
  • assess the likelihood
  • calculate the likelihood
Synonyms
  • probability

    More precise in mathematical or statistical contexts; likelihood is broader and more general.

  • chance

    Less formal than likelihood; often used in everyday speech for uncertain outcomes.

  • odds

    Often implies a ratio or comparison between possible outcomes; common in betting or risk analysis.

  • prospect

    Suggests a positive future possibility; often implies hope or potential benefit.

Antonyms
  • unlikelihood

    The opposite state — something being improbable or unlikely to happen.

Grammar Patterns

[determiner] + likelihood + of + [noun/gerund]

[determiner] + likelihood + that + [clause]

there is + [adjective] + likelihood + of/that

Usage Note

This sense is rarely used without a determiner — phrases like 'a likelihood', 'the likelihood', or 'little likelihood' are standard. The word is uncountable in form but takes a singular determiner in most constructions.

Common Mistakes

There is likelihood of snow tomorrow.
There is a likelihood of snow tomorrow.
Likelihood normally needs a determiner (a, the, little, etc.) before it when used as a singular noun.
The likelihood to succeed is low.
The likelihood of success is low.
Use 'of' + noun/gerund after likelihood, not a to-infinitive.

2. used to suggest that something is very probable, especially when the outcome is

2.nounC1
Definition

used to suggest that something is very probable, especially when the outcome is not yet certain

Example

In all likelihood, the airline will cancel the morning flight due to the storm warnings.

fixed adverbial phrase: in all likelihood

The hospital will, in all likelihood, stay closed for emergencies until the power returns.

Synonyms
  • very probably

    Similar level of certainty but more informal; 'in all likelihood' carries a more considered, analytical tone.

  • almost certainly

    Equivalent in meaning; 'almost certainly' is slightly more direct and common in speech.

  • as likely as not

    Less precise — suggests roughly equal chance, whereas 'in all likelihood' implies a strong probability.

Grammar Patterns

In all likelihood, + [clause]

[clause] + , in all likelihood, + [rest of clause]

Usage Note

Only used in the fixed phrase 'in all likelihood', which can appear at the start of a sentence or inserted between commas. It cannot be shortened to 'in likelihood' or changed to 'in great likelihood'.

Common Mistakes

In likelihood, the train will be late.
In all likelihood, the train will be late.
The fixed phrase requires 'all' before 'likelihood'.
In all likelihoods, they will agree.
In all likelihood, they will agree.
Likelihood remains singular in this phrase even when referring to multiple possible outcomes.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words describe how possible or expected an outcome is, but they differ in formality and domain. Probability is the most precise and is used in mathematics and formal analysis — it suggests a numerical or statistical measure. Chance is the most everyday term and works in casual conversation ('there's a good chance it will rain'); it also carries the idea of luck or fortune. Odds implies a comparison between two outcomes (e.g. 'the odds of winning are three to one') and is common in betting, sports, and risk assessment. Prospect leans toward a positive future opportunity ('the prospect of a promotion') and often implies desirability. For neutral, general statements about how likely something is, likelihood is the best choice — it is formal enough for academic writing but natural enough for professional speech.

probability ↗chance ↗odds ↗prospect ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • in all likelihood

Prepositions

Etymology

Old NorseMiddle EnglishEnglish

Likelihood comes from the adjective 'likely' (meaning probable) combined with the suffix '-hood', which turns an adjective into a noun expressing a state or condition (like 'childhood' or 'neighbourhood'). 'Likely' itself entered English from Old Norse 'líkligr', meaning 'likely' or 'fitting', and is related to the Old English root 'gelīc' meaning 'similar' or 'like'. The word 'likelihood' first appeared in English around the early 1300s and has been used steadily since to describe probability.