likely likely /ˈlaɪkli/

adjective

1. () Has a good chance of being the case or of coming about  ( likely )
   has a good chance of being the case or of coming about
    These services are likely to be available to us all before long
   these services are likely to be available to us all before long
    She is likely to forget
   she is likely to forget
    A likely place for a restaurant
   a likely place for a restaurant
    The broken limb is likely to fall
   the broken limb is likely to fall
    Rain is likely
   rain is likely
    A likely topic for investigation
   a likely topic for investigation
    Likely candidates for the job
   likely candidates for the job
   
2. () Likely but not certain to be or become true or real  ( likely , probable )
   likely but not certain to be or become true or real
    A likely result
   a likely result
    He foresaw a probable loss
   he foresaw a probable loss
   
3. Within the realm of credibility  ( likely )
   within the realm of credibility
    Not a very likely excuse
   not a very likely excuse
   
4. Expected to become or be; in prospect  ( likely , potential )
   expected to become or be; in prospect
    Potential clients
   potential clients
   

adverb

1. () With considerable certainty; without much doubt  ( belike [Archaic] , in all probability , probs [Informal] , in all likelihood , likely , probably , prolly [Slang] )
   with considerable certainty; without much doubt
    He is probably out of the country
   He is probably out of the country
    In all likelihood we are headed for war
   in all likelihood we are headed for war