# probable

/ˈpɹɑbəbəɫ/ (US) · /pɹˈɒbəbəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/probable
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. likely to be true

adjective · CEFR B1

likely to be true or to have happened based on the evidence.

For teachers: supported by evidence strong enough to establish presumption but not proof.

- The most probable cause of the fire was an old heater.
- Given the available forensic evidence, the most probable explanation is that the document was altered after it was signed.

### 2. likely to happen

adjective · CEFR B1

expected to happen in the future.

For teachers: having a high probability of occurring.

- It is probable that the price of petrol will go up next month.
- Economists suggest that a modest recovery is probable by the third quarter, provided that interest rates remain stable.

### 3. a likely candidate

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

a person who is expected to be chosen for a team or a job.

For teachers: a person considered likely to achieve a certain status, such as selection for a sports team.

- After the final practice, he was listed as a probable for the national team.
- The coach spent the afternoon narrowing down the list of probables, eventually selecting twenty players for the summer tour.

### 4. a likely event

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

something that is very likely to occur.

For teachers: an event or outcome that is highly likely to happen.

- In the world of business, we must plan for every probable.
- The risk assessment team moved the project from the category of 'possibles' to 'probables' following the latest market survey.

## Examples

- He is a probable for the national team.
- After the impressive trial match, the young striker was listed among the probables for the upcoming tournament.
- The selection committee divided the candidates into probables and possibles, focusing their final interviews on the small group most likely to meet the rigorous criteria.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.