Likelihood

/ˈlaɪkliˌhʊd/ noun

Definition

The chance or probability that something will happen. It describes how likely an event is.

Etymology

From *likely* plus the noun-forming suffix *-hood*, which indicates a state or condition. Earlier forms like *likelihed* appear in Middle English.

Kelly Says

‘Likelihood’ sounds formal, but it’s just ‘how likely something is’ turned into a noun. Using it nudges you to think in probabilities, not yes-or-no—an essential skill for real-world decisions.

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