probability
noun
prob·a·bil·i·ty
ˌprä-bə-ˈbi-lə-tē 
plural probabilities
1
a(1)
: the chance that a given event will occur
(2)
: the ratio of the number of outcomes in an exhaustive set of equally likely outcomes that produce a given event to the total number of possible outcomes
b
: a branch of mathematics concerned with the study of probabilities
2
: something (such as an event or circumstance) that is probable
3
: the quality or state of being probable
4
: a logical relation between statements such that evidence confirming one confirms the other to some degree
Examples of probability in a Sentence
There is a low probability that you will be chosen.
There is some probability of rain tomorrow.
With the dark clouds moving in, rain seems more like a probability than a possibility.
The probability of a coin coming up heads is one out of every two tries.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Bayesian mathematical approach involves making inferences about probabilities based on available information.
—
Beth C. Caldwell, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2025
For example, there was a 15% probability of a recession in January and now that risk is 40%, Mark Zandi, Moody’s Analytics chief economist, told the Boston Globe.
—Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Finally, the researchers note that shingles diagnosis and treatment didn't increase the probability of dementia diagnoses.
—John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 2025
These classifications indicate probability rather than frequency.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for probability
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Beth C. Caldwell, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2025
For example, there was a 15% probability of a recession in January and now that risk is 40%, Mark Zandi, Moody’s Analytics chief economist, told the Boston Globe.
—Peter Cohan, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Finally, the researchers note that shingles diagnosis and treatment didn't increase the probability of dementia diagnoses.
—John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 2025
These classifications indicate probability rather than frequency.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for probability
Cite this Entry
“Probability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probability. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
probability
noun
prob·a·bil·i·ty
ˌpräb-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē
plural probabilities
1
: the quality or state of being probable
2
: something probable
3
a
: a measure of how often a particular event will happen if something which results in any of a number of possible events is done repeatedly
the probability of a coin coming up heads is ½
b
: a branch of mathematics concerned with the study of probabilities
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