probability.

1. The extent to which an event or claim is likely to occur or be true given the relevant information.

2. A numerical measure assigned to an event in a probability model, conventionally from zero to one.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• high probability
• probability of an outcome

On the page

The records increased the probability of that interpretation without making it certain.

The forecast described a probability, not an unconditional promise.

Usage notes

Primary category: academic / formal. Forms: Uncountable for degree of likelihood; singular probability and plural probabilities for specified events or values. Legacy lexical fields mirror sense 1 only. Use numbered sense fields for all meanings. Established modern English lexical item. No separate regional spelling or grammatical inflection entry. Writing functions: inference, qualification, analysis, methodology. Disciplines: academic writing, reasoning, research. Commonness: common.