Words / B2

LYKL-eeh-ud/ˈlaɪklihʊd/

Likelihood is the chance that something will happen (often uncountable): the likelihood of error; in all likelihood. Probability is the maths twin; chance is everyday. State the likelihood of Type I error. Mix-up: likely is the adjective (already in the dictionary). Do not write “a likelihoods”.

Meaning

The chance that something will happen (often in all likelihood).

Examples

• “State the likelihood of Type I error, not a gut feeling.”
• “In all likelihood the clash will stand, which is the idiom.”

Good to know

the likelihood of + noun / -ing; in all likelihood. Maths: probability. Adjective: likely. Methods and news. Chance, not the adjective likely.

Near in meaning

probability

New