What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
chance
Example
There's a chance of rain tomorrow, so don't forget your umbrella. [chance: noun]
Example
I chanced upon an old friend at the grocery store. [chanced: past tense verb]
likelihood
Example
There is a high likelihood of success if you study hard for the exam. [likelihood: noun]
Example
It is unlikely that she will win the lottery, but there is still a small likelihood. [likelihood: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Chance is more commonly used than likelihood in everyday language. Chance is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while likelihood is less common and tends to be used in more formal or technical settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between chance and likelihood?
While chance is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, likelihood is more formal and often used in academic or technical contexts.
