What does likeliness mean?
Likeliness is a formal and relatively uncommon noun meaning the probability or chance that a particular event will occur. It is especially common in phrases such as “the likeliness of success,” “the likeliness of rain,” and “in all likelihood,” where it expresses an assessment of what is probable. The word can also mean the condition of being likely, though this use is less frequent. Its basic sense is closely related to the adjective “likely,” and it shares its vocabulary with “likelihood” and “likeness.” Although “likelihood” is the standard contemporary term in both British and American English, “likeliness” remains perfectly intelligible and can lend a measured, formal tone to a sentence. It is useful in writing that discusses chances, outcomes, or expectations without making a definite prediction.
nounThe probability or chance that something will happen. It can also refer to the condition of being likely or probable.
- The probability or chance that something will happen.
- The condition of being likely or probable.
"There is a strong likeliness of rain later this afternoon."
"The likeliness of a successful negotiation seems remote."
"They accepted the project with a good deal of confidence in its likeliness of completion."
The plural is possible but uncommon; plural forms are far more frequent for “likelihood.”
"The two estimates had very different likelinesses."
In all likeliness, this old-fashioned synonym for “likelihood” is still exactly right: it names the chance that something will happen.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does likeliness come from?
“Likeliness” combines “likely,” from Middle English and earlier forms related to the sense of resembling or being probable, with the suffix “-ness,” which forms abstract nouns meaning quality or state. It developed alongside the related forms “likelihood” and “likableness,” all expressing the condition or degree of being likely. The shared root is also reflected in “likeness,” although that word more commonly means resemblance.
How likeliness is actually used
“Likeliness” is a less common, somewhat formal or archaic alternative to “likelihood.” It is most natural with the construction “the likeliness of something,” especially when discussing the probability of an event. In modern usage, “likelihood” is generally preferred.
Easily confused with likeliness
Both nouns refer to probability or chance, but “likelihood” is the much more common modern word, while “likeliness” is chiefly formal or archaic.
“Likeliness” refers to the probability of an event, whereas “likeness” refers to visual similarity or resemblance.