odds
Plural
odds
1
the likelihood or probability of something actually taking place
- The odds of winning the grand prize in the raffle are one in a thousand.
- She calculated the odds of getting a heads in a single coin toss as 50%.
- The doctor explained the odds of recovery, giving the patient hope despite the seriousness of the condition.
- Investors weighed the odds of success before deciding to fund the startup.
2
the ratio by which one bettor's wager is greater or smaller than another's
- The odds for the horse were 5 to 1.
- Bookmakers set the odds before the race began.
- He calculated the odds to decide how much to stake.
- The team's odds changed after the key player was injured.
- The bettor checked the odds before placing a wager.
Synonyms:
3
circumstances that make it difficult to achieve something
- Despite the odds being against her, she managed to finish the marathon in record time.
- The team won the championship even though the odds were stacked heavily in favor of their opponents.
- He overcame the odds of growing up in a rough neighborhood to become a successful lawyer.
- The odds of securing the grant were slim, but their innovative proposal made a strong case.
- She fought against the odds and successfully completed her degree while working two jobs.