Word
probability
Phoneticsprob·a·bil·i·ty, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌpɹɑbəˈbɪɫəˌti/
UK/pɹˌɒbəbˈɪlɪti/
Definitions
01likelihood
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the chance that something will happen or is true.
n. the quality or state of being probable; the extent to which something is likely to happen.
“There is a high probability of rain this afternoon, so take an umbrella.”
“The probability of a successful merger remains high, provided that both boards agree on the final valuation by the end of the quarter.”
Pitfall
There is a high probability for rain today.
There is a high probability of rain today.
Use the preposition 'of' after probability to indicate what event is likely to happen.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02mathematical value
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Mathematics Technical
n. a number between 0 and 1 that shows exactly how likely something is.
n. a precise numerical measure of the likelihood of an event, where 0 indicates impossibility and 1 indicates certainty.
“In this game, the probability of drawing a red card is exactly fifty percent.”
“The algorithm calculates the probability of each outcome based on historical data sets and real-time variables.”
Usage
Often used with 'of' followed by a gerund or noun phrase.
Synonyms
03a likely event
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. something that is very likely to happen.
n. a probable event or outcome; something that can reasonably be expected to occur.
Español:probabilidad
“A change in the law is now a strong probability rather than just a hope.”
“While a total market collapse is unlikely, a period of stagnation is a distinct probability that investors must prepare for.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “probability” in context.
Verb
01. increase probability
“Regular exercise and a healthy diet can significantly increase the probability of a long life.”
verb + noun
02. reduce probability
“Installing a security system will help reduce the probability of a break-in.”
verb + noun
03. highly probability
Real-World Examples
“If you stick you will win in 1000 trials, a win probability of 2/3, and if you switch you will win in 500 trials, a win probability of 1/3.” “Most public health scientists believed that nature was the only important “bioterrorist” , based simply on prior probabilities.” Etymology
From Middle French probabilité, from Latin probābilitās (“probability, credibility”), from probābilis (“probable, credible”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
Domain
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/probability
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0