likelihood is low

USAGE SUMMARY

"likelihood is low" is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
You can use this phrase to express that something is not likely or not probable. For example, "Given the current circumstances, the likelihood of a successful outcome is low."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Even though the likelihood is low that we'll be voting online, the Internet could soon play important ancillary roles in elections.

MIT Technology Review

The likelihood is low that the bureau will be able to definitively determine the accuracy of the allegations made by Christine Blasey Ford (who accuses Kavanaugh of assaulting her when they were in high school) and Deborah Ramirez (who alleges that he exposed himself to her in college).

The Washington Post

According to Fisher's test, the likelihood is low that the number of line crossings at KSS = 9 differs between daytime and night-time.

European Transport Research Review

"Risk is a combination of consequences and likelihood; if the likelihood is low, then it's easy to think that the risk is low," says Andrew Hopkins, a professor at Australian National University who helped investigate BP's 2005 Texas City refinery explosion and wrote about the disaster in his book Failure to Learn (CCH Australia, 2008).

Forbes

"The likelihood is low" that either of the little-known, underfunded Republicans running in Hahn's 44th Congressional District could get past the primary, Shallman said.

Los Angeles Times

In conclusion, the likelihood is low that the missing values could have biased our results away from the null hypothesis.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Although, he did not categorically rule out the possibility, he did state that the likelihood was low and not certain enough to merit regulatory control.

Harvard University

Though a flaw in the system meant developers could have accessed hundreds of thousands of users' information, there is no evidence so far that they did — and the company seems to have concluded the likelihood was low enough that it could patch its problem in silence.

The Washington Post

Many of these programs provide putative localizations even when their likelihoods are low.

Current Biology

On the other hand, when the likelihood term is low, it is unlikely that model λ j generated the sequence O i.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

"But the likelihood of that is low".

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "likelihood is low", consider providing context or reasons for the low probability to strengthen your statement and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the improbability by adding intensifiers that create contradiction. Instead of saying "the likelihood is very low, almost impossible", choose one expression to accurately convey the degree of improbability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likelihood is low" functions as a descriptive expression that qualifies a situation by indicating a reduced probability of a certain event or outcome. It's commonly used to temper expectations or assess risks, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

36%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "likelihood is low" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate a low probability or chance of something occurring. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility across various contexts, including science, news, and general media. Alternatives like "probability is small" or "chance is slim" can be used for variety. When using this phrase, provide context to enhance clarity and avoid overstating the improbability with conflicting intensifiers. Overall, "likelihood is low" serves as a useful tool for realistic assessment and expectation management in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probability is small

Replaces "likelihood" with "probability" and "low" with "small", emphasizing the diminished chance.

chance is slim

Substitutes "likelihood" with "chance" and "low" with "slim", suggesting a reduced prospect.

it is improbable

Uses "improbable" to directly express the lack of probability.

it is unlikely

Replaces the noun phrase with an adjective to describe the situation as not likely to happen.

the odds are against it

Employs a more figurative expression indicating unfavorable conditions.

it's a long shot

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey a small chance of success.

possibility is remote

Replaces "likelihood" with "possibility" and "low" with "remote", indicating a distant chance.

there's little prospect

Highlights the limited outlook or expectation.

it's doubtful

Directly asserts the uncertainty or lack of confidence in something happening.

slim chance

A shorter, more concise way to express a small possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "likelihood is low" in a sentence?

You can use "likelihood is low" to express that something is improbable. For example, "Given the safety measures in place, the "likelihood is low" that an accident will occur".

What are some alternatives to "likelihood is low"?

Alternatives include "probability is small", "chance is slim", or "it is unlikely", which all convey a similar meaning of low probability.

Is it better to say "likelihood is low" or "probability is low"?

Both "likelihood is low" and "probability is low" are grammatically correct and semantically similar. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context.

What does it mean when the "likelihood is low" in risk assessment?

In risk assessment, when the "likelihood is low", it means that the probability of a specific risk or event occurring is minimal, which helps prioritize risk management efforts.