Word
likelihood
Phoneticslike·li·hood, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫaɪkɫiˌhʊd/
UK/lˈaɪklihˌʊd/
Definitions
01probability
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the chance that something will happen.
n. the probability of a specified outcome or the state of being probable.
日本語:可能性※
Español:probabilidad
“There is a high likelihood of rain this afternoon, so you should take an umbrella.”
“Given the current economic climate, there is a strong likelihood that interest rates will remain stable for the remainder of the fiscal year.”
Usage
Commonly used in the phrase 'in all likelihood' to mean 'very probably'.
Pitfall
There is a high likelihood for rain today.
There is a high likelihood of rain today.
The noun likelihood is almost always followed by the preposition 'of' or a 'that' clause.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02statistical probability
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Mathematics Technical
n. a measurement in math used to see how well a model fits the data you have.
n. the probability that a particular set of observed data was generated by a specific statistical model or parameter.
Español:probabilidad
“The scientist calculated the likelihood to see which theory best explained the results.”
“The maximum likelihood estimation provides a method for finding the parameter values that make the observed data most probable.”
Usage
Often used as a technical term in 'maximum likelihood estimation'.
Synonyms
03resemblance
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Archaic
n. the quality of looking like someone or something else.
n. the state of being similar in appearance or character; likeness.
“The old painting showed a clear likelihood to the king's younger brother.”
“The poet remarked upon the strange likelihood between the fading autumn leaves and the passing of human youth.”
Teaching tip
This sense is archaic; modern speakers use 'likeness' or 'resemblance' instead.
Synonyms
Antonyms
04statistical likelihood function
C1 · Advanced Countable noun AI
n. a math calculation showing how probable observed data is under a specific theory or setting.
n. a function of model parameters proportional to the probability of observing the given sample data, central to maximum likelihood estimation.
“Statisticians calculated the likelihood of drawing five red marbles in a row.”
“Maximum likelihood estimation optimizes neural network weights by maximizing the log likelihood of the training target tokens.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “likelihood” in context.
Verb
01. decrease likelihood
“Regular exercise and a balanced diet can significantly decrease the likelihood of heart disease.”
verb + noun
02. increase likelihood
“Smoking is known to increase the likelihood of developing respiratory complications later in life.”
verb + noun
03. reduce likelihood
“Installing a security system will help reduce the likelihood of a break-in.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. increased likelihood
“There is an increased likelihood of rain this afternoon, so you should bring an umbrella.”
adj + noun
05. likelihood increase
Real-World Examples
“The research also suggests that heat stress may increase the likelihood of adverse outcomes for the mother and child, particularly in higher-risk pregnancies.” “Met Office scientists have said there is an increasing likelihood of extreme temperatures in the UK , and that the chance of exceeding 40C is accelerating.” “But I believe the likelihood of it increases with every single day that goes by.” Etymology
From Middle English liklihode, equivalent to likely + -hood.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/likelihood
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0