probabilistic
gb/pɹˌɑbəbɪlˈɪstɪk/ us/pɹˌɑbəbɪlˈɪstɪk/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
technical
C1
property
1
based on probability
using probabilities to describe what may happen or how likely something is
Usage pattern:
probabilistic [model/approach/estimate/forecast]
Common mistake:
Do not use probabilistic simply to mean probable or likely. Say “It is likely that...” not “It is probabilistic that...”.
Synonyms
probability-based (clearer and less formal; means based on probabilities)
|
statistical (often similar, but broader and focused on data or statistics)
|
stochastic (more technical; emphasizes random variation)
Antonyms
deterministic (based on fixed outcomes or rules rather than probabilities)
|
certain (expressing complete confidence rather than probability)
Collocations
probabilistic model
|probabilistic approach
|probabilistic analysis
|probabilistic estimate
|probabilistic forecast
|probabilistic method
|probabilistic framework
|probabilistic assessment
|probabilistic reasoning
|probabilistic inference
Themes
statistics
|science
|technology
|research
Examples
- The researchers used a probabilistic model to estimate how the disease might spread.
- A probabilistic forecast gives several possible outcomes instead of one guaranteed prediction.
- Modern speech recognition relies heavily on probabilistic methods.
Learner examples
- The report gives a probabilistic estimate of the cost.
- A probabilistic model shows what is most likely to happen.
adjective
technical
C1
property
2
governed by chance
not completely predictable, because chance affects what happens
Usage pattern:
a probabilistic [process/system/outcome/event]
Common mistake:
Probabilistic does not mean random in the everyday sense of strange or accidental; it usually means governed by measurable chance.
Synonyms
random (more general; may not imply measured probabilities)
|
nondeterministic (technical; emphasizes that the same input may not always produce the same output)
|
stochastic (technical; especially common in mathematics and science)
Antonyms
deterministic (having outcomes fixed by initial conditions or rules)
|
predictable (able to be known in advance with confidence)
Collocations
probabilistic process
|probabilistic system
|probabilistic behavior
|probabilistic outcome
|probabilistic event
|probabilistic transition
|probabilistic sampling
|probabilistic nature
Themes
science
|mathematics
|computing
|systems
Examples
- At very small scales, some physical events appear to be probabilistic rather than fully predictable.
- The simulation treats customer arrivals as a probabilistic process.
- The outcome is probabilistic: the same input can sometimes lead to different results.
Learner examples
- The game has probabilistic outcomes.
- This process is probabilistic, so we cannot know the result for sure.
Grammar
Dictionary form
probabilistic
IPA
GB/pɹˌɑbəbɪlˈɪstɪk/
US/pɹˌɑbəbɪlˈɪstɪk/
Syllables & stress
prob - ab - il - ist - ic (5 syllables)
Stress on 4th syllable (ist)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: probabilistic
Expressions
probabilistic algorithm
1/pɹˌɑbəbɪlˈɪstɪk ˈælɡɚˌɪðəm/
fixed phrase
technical
algorithm using randomness
a computer method that uses chance as part of how it works
Examples
- The software uses a probabilistic algorithm to find likely matches quickly.
- Some probabilistic algorithms trade a small chance of error for much faster performance.
probabilistic approach
1/pɹˌɑbəbɪlˈɪstɪk əpɹˈoʊt͡ʃ/
fixed phrase
technical
method using probabilities
a way of dealing with something by thinking in terms of likelihoods, not certainties
Examples
- The company adopted a probabilistic approach to demand planning.
- A probabilistic approach is useful when the available data is incomplete.
probabilistic forecasting
1/pɹˌɑbəbɪlˈɪstɪk fˈɔɹkˌæstɪŋ/
fixed phrase
technical
forecast with probabilities
making a forecast that says how likely different results are
Examples
- Probabilistic forecasting can show the chance of heavy rain in different areas.
- The finance team uses probabilistic forecasting to plan for best-case and worst-case scenarios.
probabilistic inference
1/pɹˌɑbəbɪlˈɪstɪk ˈɪnfɚəns/
fixed phrase
technical
inference from probabilities
using data and probabilities to guess what is probably true
Examples
- The system performs probabilistic inference to decide which diagnosis best fits the symptoms.
- Probabilistic inference allows the model to update its beliefs as new evidence appears.
probabilistic model
1/pɹˌɑbəbɪlˈɪstɪk mˈɑdəl/
fixed phrase
technical
model using probabilities
a model that shows what may happen and how likely each possibility is
Examples
- The team built a probabilistic model of traffic flow in the city.
- A probabilistic model can update its predictions when new data arrives.
probabilistic programming
1/pɹˌɑbəbɪlˈɪstɪk pɹˈoʊɡɹˌæmɪŋ/
fixed phrase
technical
programming probability models
writing programs that describe uncertain situations with probabilities
Examples
- Probabilistic programming makes it easier to build complex statistical models.
- Researchers used probabilistic programming to test several explanations for the data.
probabilistic reasoning
1/pɹˌɑbəbɪlˈɪstɪk ɹˈizənɪŋ/
fixed phrase
technical
reasoning with likelihoods
thinking about what is most likely when you are not completely sure
Examples
- Doctors often use probabilistic reasoning when they interpret test results.
- Probabilistic reasoning helps the system choose the most likely explanation.
probabilistic risk assessment
1/pɹˌɑbəbɪlˈɪstɪk ɹˈɪsk əsˈɛsmənt/
fixed phrase
technical
risk estimated by probabilities
a study that estimates risks by calculating how likely different problems are
Examples
- Engineers performed a probabilistic risk assessment before approving the design.
- A probabilistic risk assessment can compare rare but serious failures with more common minor ones.