What does prob mean?
“Prob” is an informal noun meaning probability or likelihood, and it is also widely used in the expression “on the prob,” meaning “probably” or “most likely.” It is a shortened form of “probability” and has a casual, conversational tone, especially in British usage. For example, someone might say, “On the prob, the train will be late,” or ask, “What’s the prob that the match will be cancelled?” The word is useful in speech when a speaker wants to convey a confident expectation without using the longer and more formal “probability.” In professional, academic, or legal writing, “probability” or “likelihood” is generally more appropriate. Although “prob” can be understood by many English speakers, its abbreviated form is not suitable for every context, particularly where precision and clarity are important.
nounAn informal short form of probability, especially used in phrases such as “on the prob,” meaning probably or likely.
- As an informal noun, a probability or likelihood.
"On the prob, she will arrive before the meeting starts."
"There’s a high prob that the weather will improve by the weekend."
"On the prob, we can finish the report before lunch."
The plural is occasionally used in informal speech but is uncommon in careful writing.
"They calculated the probs for several possible outcomes."
A tiny shorthand for probability: when someone says “on the prob,” they are making a educated guess that something is likely.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How prob is actually used
Informal and chiefly conversational. It is more common in British English and is often used in the fixed phrase “on the prob,” meaning “probably.” The full word “probability” is preferred in formal writing.
Easily confused with prob
“Prob” is an informal clipping of “probability,” while “probability” is the full standard noun.