C1noun 2K

Likelihood

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈlaɪklihʊd/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈlaɪklihʊd/"]/

Meaning of Likelihood

the chance of something happening; how likely something is to happen

In simple words: The chance that something will happen.

Likelihood in a sentence

• There is very little likelihood of that happening.
• **In all likelihood** *(= very probably)* the meeting will be cancelled.
• **The likelihood is** that *(= it is likely that)* unemployment figures will continue to fall.
• This reduces the likelihood that the treatment will be successful.
• Is there any likelihood of our getting our money back?
• The National Weather Service had calculated the likelihood of severe weather during the night as ‘a slight risk’.
• Taking regular exercise reduces the likelihood of a heart attack.
• There's every likelihood that she'll be able to help us.
• This shouldn't affect the likelihood of you getting the job.

How to use Likelihood

Use 'likelihood' in discussions of probability. It's neutral, suitable for academic and everyday contexts, but avoid it in very casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

likelihood + of + noun/gerund

Memory hint

Think of 'like' + 'hood' — imagine a neighborhood where things are likely to happen.

Related words

Collocations with Likelihood

• every
• greater
• increased
• decrease
• diminish
• lessen
• grow
• diminish
• likelihood for
• likelihood of
• in all likelihood

Synonyms for Likelihood

• probability

Opposites of Likelihood

• unlikelihood
• improbability

Common mistakes with Likelihood

• Confusing 'likelihood' with 'likely'.
• Using 'likelihood' as a countable noun instead of uncountable.
• Mixing up the preposition, saying 'likelihood for' instead of 'likelihood of'.

Frequently asked questions about Likelihood

What does Likelihood mean?

The chance that something will happen.

What is the definition of Likelihood?

the chance of something happening; how likely something is to happen

How do you use Likelihood in a sentence?

There is very little likelihood of that happening.

Can you give another example of Likelihood?

**In all likelihood** *(= very probably)* the meeting will be cancelled.

What are synonyms for Likelihood?

Common alternatives include probability.

What is the opposite of Likelihood?

Opposite meanings include unlikelihood, improbability.

What words go with Likelihood?

It commonly pairs with every, greater, increased, decrease, diminish, lessen, grow, diminish, likelihood for, likelihood of, in all likelihood.

What are common mistakes when using Likelihood?

Confusing 'likelihood' with 'likely'. Using 'likelihood' as a countable noun instead of uncountable. Mixing up the preposition, saying 'likelihood for' instead of 'likelihood of'.

How do you pronounce Likelihood?

US: /["/ˈlaɪklihʊd/"]/, UK: /["/ˈlaɪklihʊd/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Likelihood?

Use 'likelihood' in discussions of probability. It's neutral, suitable for academic and everyday contexts, but avoid it in very casual conversations.

What CEFR level is Likelihood?

"Likelihood" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.