likely

UK: /ˈlaɪkli/ US: /ˈlaɪkli/ ,(līk′lē)

Inflections of 'likely' (adj):

likelier

adj comparative

likeliest

adj superlative

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

like•ly /ˈlaɪkli/   adj., -li•er, -li•est, adv. 
adj. 

1. probable;
   fairly sure;
   expected: [be + ~ + to + verb]
   An earthquake is not likely to happen here.
   [It + be + ~ + (that) clause]
   It's likely that she will win.
2. believable:
   [before a noun] It was a likely enough excuse.
3. suitable;
   promising:
   [before a noun] We found a likely place to pitch the tent.

adv. 

4. probably:
   We will most likely stay home.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

like•ly  (līk′lē), adj., -li•er, -li•est, adv. 
adj. 

1. probably or apparently destined (usually fol. by an infinitive):
   something not likely to happen.
2. seeming like truth, fact, or certainty;
   reasonably to be believed or expected;
   believable:
   a likely story.
3. seeming to fulfill requirements or expectations;
   apparently suitable:
   a likely place for a restaurant.
4. showing promise of achievement or excellence;
   promising:
   a fine, likely young man.

adv. 

5. probably:
   We will likely stay home this evening.

• Old Norse līkligr. See like^1, -ly
• Middle English likli 1250–1300

Synonyms

• 3. appropriate.

Usage

Likely in the senses "probably destined'' and "probably'' is often preceded by a qualifying word like very, more, or quite: The board is very likely to turn down the request. The new system will quite likely increase profits. However, despite statements to the contrary in some usage guides, likely in these senses is standard without such a qualifier in all varieties of English:
It will likely be a bitter debate.
The shipment will likely arrive on Thursday.
See also apt, liable. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

likely / ˈlaɪklɪ/ adjective

1. (usually followed by an infinitive) tending or inclined; apt: likely to rain
2. probable: a likely result
3. believable or feasible; plausible
4. appropriate for a purpose or activity
5. having good possibilities of success: a likely candidate

adverb

1. probably or presumably
2. as likely as not ⇒ very probably

Etymology: 14th Century: from Old Norse līkligrUSAGE
Likely as an adverb is preceded by another, intensifying adverb, as in it will very likely rain or it will most likely rain. Its use without an intensifier, as in it will likely rain is regarded as unacceptable by most users of British English, though it is common in colloquial US English