Likelihood Meaning
/ˈlaɪklihʊd/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounThe probability of a specified outcome; the chance of something happening; probability; the state or degree of being probable.
nounThe probability that some fixed outcome was generated by a random distribution with a specific parameter.
Sentence Examples
Is there any likelihood that Mr Black will agree to the plan?
In all likelihood, you will pass the entrance exam if you use this textbook.
There is very little likelihood of that happening.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Due to the dark clouds, the ____ of rain tonight is very high.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
There is a high ____ that it will rain later today, so you should probably take an umbrella with you tonight.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English liklihode, equivalent to likely + -hood.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"While starting early can increase your likelihood of attaining millionaire status, the investments you choose play an equally important role."
— 2017 May 16, Maurie Backman, “Here's how to become a millionaire on $56,000 a year”, in CNN Money, archived from the original on 21 Apr 2025:
"There is no likelihood between pure light and black darkness, […]or between righteousness and reprobation."
— 1614, Walter Ralegh [i.e., Walter Raleigh], chapter 3, in The Historie of the World […], London: […] William Stansby for Walter Burre, […], →OCLC, 1st book:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Due to the dark clouds, the ____ of rain tonight is very high.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
There is a high ____ that it will rain later today, so you should probably take an umbrella with you tonight.