Meaning & Definition of Likelihood in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: The state of being probable; the degree of probability that something will occur.

  Example Sentence: There is a high likelihood of rain tomorrow.

• Definition: A situation or condition that makes something seem likely.

  Example Sentence: The likelihood of winning the lottery is extremely low.

• Definition: A statistical measure of the chance of a specific outcome.

  Example Sentence: The likelihood ratio is used in diagnostic testing.

• Definition: The expected occurrence of an event based on data or experience.

  Example Sentence: The researchers calculated the likelihood of various scenarios.

Etymology

Origin: From Middle English liklihod, derived from like + -lihood, suggesting the quality of being likely.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• in all likelihood: Very likely to happen.
• likelihood of success: The chance that a certain action will yield positive results.
• slim likelihood: A very small chance that something will occur.

Translations

• Spanish: probabilidad

• French: probabilité

• German: Wahrscheinlichkeit

• Russian: вероятность

Related Words

• likely: Having a high probability of occurring.

• unlikely: Having a low probability of occurring.

• likable: Pleasant and amiable; a quality that makes one liked.

Slang Meanings of likelihood

• Meaning: The odds

  Example Sentence: What are the odds that you'll win the game?

• Meaning: Long shot

  Example Sentence: It’s a long shot, but I’m going to apply for that job.