likelihood

Everyday

1. How likely something is to happen; the chance or probability of it. tree →
2. (maths) A measure of how probable an event is, from impossible to certain. tree →

In the lessons

In maths probability lessons: describe likelihood with words — impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely, certain — or with numbers from 0 to 1. In weather forecasts: the likelihood of rain. Phrases: in all likelihood (very probably), the likelihood of, increase the likelihood.

Examples

• What is the likelihood of rolling a 6? tree →
• The likelihood of rain tomorrow is high. tree →
• In all likelihood, the bus will be late again. tree →
• Wearing a helmet reduces the likelihood of a head injury. tree →
• Put the events on the likelihood scale from impossible to certain. tree →
• The likelihood of getting heads on a coin is one half. tree →
• It was therefore with great surprise and annoyance that he now learned of the mysterious return of the hares and the likelihood of Jesper carrying out his task with success. tree →

Note

Usually uncountable. Spelling: likeli + hood (y changes to i). Similar: probability, chance. For numbers: likelihood can be written as a fraction, decimal or percentage between 0 (impossible) and 1 or 100% (certain); a fair die gives 1/6 for each number.