lack of likelihood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of likelihood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that is unlikely to happen or has a low probability of occurring. Example: "Given the current evidence, there is a lack of likelihood that the project will be completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, the lack of an explicit likelihood function requires highly demanding computational efforts.

BMC Veterinary Research

47 50 Based on description of the fire and lack of PPE, the likelihood that firefighters were exposed to many of these compounds is very high.

Clinical Toxicology

In this way, we may account for a lack of knowledge (equal likelihood) regarding the position of these points below the threshold and an absolute certainty that these points do not lie above the threshold.

BMC Systems Biology

There is currently a lack of consensus regarding likelihood-based statistical models for PPI network evolution (Ratmann et al., 2009).

Bioinformatics

For example, to test a parametric null model against a nonparametric alternative in the penalized spline regression, Claeskens [ 7] first constructed a mixed effects model so that the hypothesis testing was reduced to the problem that whether the variance component of random effects was zero, and then performed a restricted likelihood ratio lack-of-fit test.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Because of this lack of prior knowledge, standard likelihood theory or extensions such as generalized likelihood ratios or invariance-based approaches do not apply.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Meanwhile, the lack of data on the likelihood of side effects could scare consumers into avoiding highly effective drugs if they overestimate the risks.

The New York Times

Purdy said that the lack of clarity on the likelihood of her husband's prosecution violated article 8 of the European convention on human rights – the right to a private and family life.

The Guardian

Lack of education increases the likelihood of unemployment and underemployment.

SEP

Lack of oversight increases the likelihood that training funds may not be used as intended.

Huffington Post

Beside the limitation of being a small-scale study, the foremost limitation is the lack of a pre-test likelihood analysis of the risk of CAD or an abnormal MPI in the study population.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lack of likelihood" when you want to emphasize the absence of a reasonable chance for something to occur. It's particularly effective in formal writing or when discussing risks and possibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "lack of likelihood" when you simply mean "unwillingness". The former refers to probability, while the latter refers to intent. "Lack of likelihood" is about chances; unwillingness is about choices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of likelihood" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It denotes the absence or deficiency of a reasonable probability for an event or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lack of likelihood" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a low probability or absence of a reasonable chance for something to occur. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usability in written English. While alternatives like "low probability" or "unlikelihood" exist, "lack of likelihood" offers a specific emphasis on the absence of a positive prospect. Although the phrase is more common in formal and scientific contexts, it can be adapted to various situations where expressing doubt or improbability is necessary. Be mindful not to confuse its usage with concepts like "unwillingness", as the former focuses on chances, while the latter addresses intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Low probability

Replaces "lack of likelihood" with a direct statement of low probability.

Unlikelihood

A more concise, single-word alternative expressing the same concept.

Improbability

Similar to "unlikelihood" but may imply a more mathematical or statistical context.

Remote possibility

Emphasizes that the chance of something happening is very small.

Absence of probability

Highlights a complete lack of chance for something to occur.

Scant chance

Indicates that there's very little chance or opportunity.

Doubtful prospect

Suggests that the expected outcome is uncertain and unlikely.

Negligible possibility

Emphasizes that the possibility is so small that it can be ignored.

Outside chance

Highlights that the possibility exists, but is very low.

Poor prospect

Focuses on a negative outlook or a low chance of success.

FAQs

How can I use "lack of likelihood" in a sentence?

You can use "lack of likelihood" to describe situations where something is improbable. For example, "Due to the stringent safety measures, there is a "lack of likelihood" of accidents occurring."

What are some alternatives to "lack of likelihood"?

Alternatives include "low probability", "unlikelihood", or "improbability". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it more accurate to say "lack of likelihood" or "low likelihood"?

Both phrases are valid, but "low likelihood" is generally more common and straightforward. "Lack of likelihood" emphasizes the absence of a high probability, while "low likelihood" simply states that the probability is not high.

What's the difference between "lack of likelihood" and "lack of certainty"?

"Lack of likelihood" refers specifically to the probability of an event occurring, while "lack of certainty" refers to the absence of sureness or confidence about something. They are related but address different aspects of a situation.