likelihood
1 n-uncount The likelihood of something happening is how likely it is to happen.
usu N of n/-ing, N that
(=probability)
The likelihood of infection is minimal...
2 n-sing If something is a likelihood, it is likely to happen.
(=probability)
But the likelihood is that people would be willing to pay if they were certain that their money was going to a good cause...
3 If you say that something will happen in all likelihood, you mean that it will probably happen.
♦
in all likelihood phrase PHR with cl
(=in all probability)
In all likelihood, the committee will have to interview every woman who's worked with Thomas.