odds
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the likelihood or chance that a particular thing will happen.
the probability that a certain event will occur, often expressed as a ratio.
Simple“The odds of winning the lottery are very low, but people still buy tickets.”
In context“Given the current economic climate, the odds of a full recovery within the next fiscal year remain slim according to most analysts.”
UsageAlways used in the plural form.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the amount of money you can win in a bet compared to the amount you risk.
the ratio of the potential winnings to the stake in a gambling context.
Simple“The bookies have offered odds of ten-to-one on the local team winning.”
In context“Professional gamblers rarely place bets unless the odds offered by the bookmaker significantly undervalue the actual probability of the outcome.”
UsageUsually plural; often used with the preposition 'on' or 'against'.
- 03 C1 Advanced
to be in a state of disagreement or conflict with someone.
a state of being in conflict, variance, or disagreement; almost exclusively used in the idiom 'at odds with'.
Simple“The two brothers were often at odds with each other over how to run the family business.”
In context“The director's vision for the film was fundamentally at odds with the studio's requirement for a family-friendly rating.”
UsageUsed in the fixed phrase 'at odds with'.
Synonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
to succeed even though it seemed impossible or very unlikely.
referring to a situation where success is achieved despite very low probability or significant obstacles.
Simple“Against all odds, the small boat survived the storm and reached the shore.”
In context“The startup managed to secure a second round of funding against the odds, despite the general downturn in tech investment.”
UsageUsed in the fixed phrase 'against the odds' or 'against all odds'.
Synonymsdespite the difficulties
Usage odds ratio
“The answer is that it makes sense to switch, because you double your odds of winning from 1/3 to 2/3.”
“Deeply eccentric, staffed by the barely employable, and permanently teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, St Anne’s hangs on, against all the odds.”