C1noun2K

Likelihood

UK /["/ˈlaɪklihʊd/"]/US /["/ˈlaɪklihʊd/"]/

Definition

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

In simple words: The chance that something will happen.

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

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

Synonyms

  • probability

Antonyms

  • unlikelihood
  • improbability

Common mistakes

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