Definition: 1. Probable or expected. 2. Seeming suitable for a purpose. 3. Something is probably the case or will probably happen in a particular situation. 4. Has a good chance of being the case or of coming about. 5. Within the realm of credibility. 6. Expected to become or be.
Use 'likely' in a sentence:
1. The series is likely to be screened in January.
2. It is likely that investors will face losses.
3. They might refuse to let us do it, but it's hardly likely.
4. The report is likely to prove highly embarrassing to the government.
5. The closure of the factory is likely to cost 1 000 jobs.
6. 'He said you'd be giving them a lift.' 'Not likely!'
7. Morris is likely to win, with Jones out of the picture now.
8. A team which is full of enthusiasm is more likely to win.
9. He's not likely to come tonight.
10. The tension between the two countries is likely to remain.
11. If this is your first baby, it's far more likely that you'll get to the hospital too early.
12. The allegations are likely to damage his political career.
13. Experts say a "yes" vote is still the likely outcome.
14. She did not disclose evidence that was likely to prejudice her client's case.
15. At one point he had seemed a likely candidate to become Prime Minister.
16. These changes are likely to impoverish single-parent families even further.
17. The players' behaviour on the field is likely to bring the game into disrepute.
18. He is hardly likely to admit he was wrong.
19. The smart money says that he's likely to withdraw from the leadership campaign.
20. An old bed is the most likely cause of back trouble.
21. Snow showers are likely tomorrow.
22. It would likely be a down-and-dirty campaign again.
23. The issue is likely to prove a prickly one.
24. Experts say a 'yes' vote is still the likely outcome.
25. She seems the most likely candidate for the job.
26. He is likely to get off with a small fine.
27. The president appears likely to change course on some key issues.
28. His intimacy with Japan makes him the likely choice as ambassador to that country.
29. Tickets are likely to be expensive.
30. It's so cloudy and cold that it's likely to snow.
31. He said that he would likely run for President.
32. The wording is likely to lead to ambiguity.
33. The main topic of conversation was the likely outcome of the election.
34. Who's the likely successor to him as party leader?
35. This is as difficult a problem as you are likely to meet.
36. The question of the peace settlement is likely to figure prominently in the talks.
37. We are likely to fall into step with them.
38. If you don't make your choice in time, you are likely to fall between two stools.
39. There was discussion about the fire and its likely cause.
40. Rice flour makes the cake less likely to crumble.
41. Eating and drinking too much is likely to give one stomach trouble.
42. We aimed the microscope at a likely looking target.
43. The increase is likely to hit the pocketbooks of consumers.
44. We will most likely see him later.
45. Train fares are likely to remain unchanged.
46. Infections are more likely in those suffering from malnutrition.
47. 'How about having a phone out here?' — 'Not likely!'
48. The most likely explanation is that his plane was delayed.
49. Me? Join the army? Not likely!
50. It's more than likely that the thieves don't know how much it is worth.
51. Talks are likely to start next Tuesday.
52. Once people have seen that something actually works, they are much more likely to accept change.
53. Unemployment is likely to go on rising this year.
54. One likely source of energy is wind power.
55. The matter is likely to go to arbitration.
56. We will likely see him later.
57. Such reforms seem likely to remain little more than pious hopes.
58. This decision is likely to upset a lot of people.
59. Education is likely to be a key issue in the next election.
60. There are likely to be tensions and personality clashes in any social group.
61. They might refuse to let us do it, but it's hardly likely .
62. As likely as not she's forgotten all about it.
63. They aren't likely to arrive this side of midnight.
64. Park illegally, and you're likely to be ticketed.
65. The fires are likely to permanently deforest the land.
66. In the meantime the war of nerves seems likely to continue.
