likely

Meaning

Likely is an adjective with a similar meaning to probable.

• I don’t think a Labour victory is likely.
• What’s a likely date for the election?

The opposite is unlikely.

• Snow is very unlikely.

Note also the informal adverb phrases very/most likely.

• I think she’ll very/most likely be late.

it is (un)likely + that-clause

We can use it as a preparatory subject or object for a that-clause ( (see here).

• It’s likely that the meeting will go on late.
• I thought it unlikely that she would come back.

Infinitive after be (un)likely

Be + (un)likely is often followed by an infinitive.

• I’m likely to be busy tomorrow.
• Do you think it’s likely to rain?
• He’s unlikely to agree.