like ‧ li ‧ hood /ˈlaɪklihʊd/ BrE AmE noun [singular, uncountable]
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ likelihood ; adverb : ↑ likely ; adjective : ↑ likely ≠ ↑ unlikely ]
1 . the degree to which something can reasonably be expected to happen SYN probability
likelihood of
Using a seatbelt will reduce the likelihood of serious injury in a car accident.
little/lower/high/greater etc likelihood
There was very little likelihood of her getting the job.
likelihood (that)
They must face the likelihood that the newspaper might go bankrupt.
2 . in all likelihood almost certainly:
If I refused, it would in all likelihood mean I’d lose my job.