likelihood
likelihood — noun
1. the degree to which something is probable or can be expected to occur
the degree to which something is probable or can be expected to occur
The likelihood of rain increased as dark clouds gathered over the city.
likelihood of + noun for weather events
Hamza saw little likelihood that the committee would approve his funding request.
little likelihood + that-clause (negative)
Scientists assessed the likelihood of a major earthquake in the region within twenty years.
There is a strong likelihood that Jisoo will get a place at the medical school.
Anong questioned the likelihood of completing the bridge repairs before winter.
- probability
More precise in mathematical or statistical contexts; likelihood is broader and more general.
- chance
Less formal than likelihood; often used in everyday speech for uncertain outcomes.
- odds
Often implies a ratio or comparison between possible outcomes; common in betting or risk analysis.
- prospect
Suggests a positive future possibility; often implies hope or potential benefit.
- unlikelihood
The opposite state — something being improbable or unlikely to happen.
文法句型
[determiner] + likelihood + of + [noun/gerund]
[determiner] + likelihood + that + [clause]
there is + [adjective] + likelihood + of/that
用法筆記
This sense is rarely used without a determiner — phrases like 'a likelihood', 'the likelihood', or 'little likelihood' are standard. The word is uncountable in form but takes a singular determiner in most constructions.
常見錯誤
2. used to suggest that something is very probable, especially when the outcome is
used to suggest that something is very probable, especially when the outcome is not yet certain
In all likelihood, the airline will cancel the morning flight due to the storm warnings.
fixed adverbial phrase: in all likelihood
The hospital will, in all likelihood, stay closed for emergencies until the power returns.
In all likelihood, Reema will finish her thesis before the submission deadline next month.
The old factory will, in all likelihood, be demolished by the end of this year.
- very probably
Similar level of certainty but more informal; 'in all likelihood' carries a more considered, analytical tone.
- almost certainly
Equivalent in meaning; 'almost certainly' is slightly more direct and common in speech.
- as likely as not
Less precise — suggests roughly equal chance, whereas 'in all likelihood' implies a strong probability.
文法句型
In all likelihood, + [clause]
[clause] + , in all likelihood, + [rest of clause]
用法筆記
Only used in the fixed phrase 'in all likelihood', which can appear at the start of a sentence or inserted between commas. It cannot be shortened to 'in likelihood' or changed to 'in great likelihood'.