# odds

/ˈɑdz/ (US) · /ˈɒdz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/odds
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. probability

noun · CEFR B2

the likelihood or chance that a particular thing will happen.

For teachers: the probability that a certain event will occur, often expressed as a ratio.

- The odds of winning the lottery are very low, but people still buy tickets.
- Given the current economic climate, the odds of a full recovery within the next fiscal year remain slim according to most analysts.

Usage: Always used in the plural form.

### 2. betting ratio

noun · CEFR B2

the amount of money you can win in a bet compared to the amount you risk.

For teachers: the ratio of the potential winnings to the stake in a gambling context.

- The bookies have offered odds of ten-to-one on the local team winning.
- Professional gamblers rarely place bets unless the odds offered by the bookmaker significantly undervalue the actual probability of the outcome.

Usage: Usually plural; often used with the preposition 'on' or 'against'.

### 3. at odds (disagreement)

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

to be in a state of disagreement or conflict with someone.

For teachers: a state of being in conflict, variance, or disagreement; almost exclusively used in the idiom 'at odds with'.

- The two brothers were often at odds with each other over how to run the family business.
- The director's vision for the film was fundamentally at odds with the studio's requirement for a family-friendly rating.

Usage: Used in the fixed phrase 'at odds with'.

### 4. against the odds

noun · CEFR B2

to succeed even though it seemed impossible or very unlikely.

For teachers: referring to a situation where success is achieved despite very low probability or significant obstacles.

- Against all odds, the small boat survived the storm and reached the shore.
- The startup managed to secure a second round of funding against the odds, despite the general downturn in tech investment.

Usage: Used in the fixed phrase 'against the odds' or 'against all odds'.

## Examples

- The odds of winning the lottery are very low.
- Despite the heavy rain and poor visibility, the team beat the odds and finished the race in first place.
- Financial analysts are currently calculating the odds of a market correction, weighing geopolitical instability against surprisingly strong consumer spending data.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.