Probability dictionary definition

probability

prob·a·bil·i·ty

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There is a high probability of rain.

noun

Probability is defined as the likelihood of something occurring or the chance of something happening.

When there is a 50 percent chance of something, this is an example of a time when the event has a probability of 50 percent.
When there are gray clouds in the sky, this is an example of a time when there is a high probability of rain.

noun

pl. -·ties

the quality or state of being probable; likelihood
something probable
Math. the ratio of the number of times something will probably occur to the total number of possible occurrences

Origin of probability

Middle French probabilité from Classical Latin probabilitas

probability Idioms

in all probability

very likely

noun

pl. prob·a·bil·i·ties

The quality or condition of being probable; likelihood.
A probable situation, condition, or event: Her election is a clear probability.
a. The likelihood that a given event will occur: little probability of rain tonight.
b. Statistics A number, ranging from zero to one, expressing either the projected likelihood that a specific event will occur or the observed ratio of the number of actual occurrences to the number of possible occurrences.

Noun

(plural probabilities)

the state of being probable; likelihood
an event that is likely to occur
the relative likelihood of an event happening
(mathematics) a number, between 0 and 1, expressing the precise likelihood of an event happening

Origin

From Latin probabilitas (“probability, credibility"), from probabilis (“probable, credible"); see probable.