Likelihood: meaning, definitions and examples

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likelihood

 

[ ˈlaɪklihʊd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in statistics

The likelihood is a measure of how probable a specific outcome is compared to all possible outcomes.

Synonyms

chance, odds, probability.

Examples of usage

  • The likelihood of winning the lottery is extremely low.
  • There is a high likelihood of rain tomorrow.
Context #2 | Noun

in everyday language

The likelihood refers to the chance or probability of something happening.

Synonyms

chance, possibility, probability.

Examples of usage

  • There is a high likelihood that he will be promoted.
  • The likelihood of success is dependent on various factors.

Translations

Translations of the word "likelihood" in other languages:

🇵🇹 probabilidade

🇮🇳 संभावना

🇩🇪 Wahrscheinlichkeit

🇮🇩 kemungkinan

🇺🇦 ймовірність

🇵🇱 prawdopodobieństwo

🇯🇵 可能性

🇫🇷 probabilité

🇪🇸 probabilidad

🇹🇷 olasılık

🇰🇷 가능성

🇸🇦 احتمالية

🇨🇿 pravděpodobnost

🇸🇰 pravdepodobnosť

🇨🇳 可能性

🇸🇮 verjetnost

🇮🇸 líkur

🇰🇿 ықтималдық

🇬🇪 სავარაუდოობა

🇦🇿 ehtimal

🇲🇽 probabilidad

Etymology

The word 'likelihood' originated in the late 16th century from the combination of 'likely' and 'hood'. It has been used to describe the probability or chance of something happening, both in statistical contexts and everyday language.

See also: alike, alikeness, dislike, disliked, likable, like, likely, liken, likeness, likewise, liking, unlike, unlikeliness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,925, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.