C1noun 1K

Odds

🇬🇧 UK /["/ɒdz/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ɑːdz/"]/

Meaning of Odds

the degree to which something is likely to happen

In simple words: The chances or likelihood of something happening.

Odds in a sentence

• The odds of winning the lottery are extremely low.
• She calculated the odds before deciding to invest in the stock market.
• The odds are against us in this competition, but we will try our best.
• The odds of rain tomorrow are quite high according to the weather forecast.
• They placed bets based on the odds given by the bookmaker.
• Despite the odds being stacked against her, she managed to succeed.
• In poker, understanding the odds can significantly improve your chances of winning.
• The odds of two people having the same birthday in a group is surprisingly high.
• At the racetrack, the odds indicate how much you can win based on your bet.

How to use Odds

Use 'odds' in conversations about probability or betting. It's neutral, but informal contexts work better. Avoid using it in very formal writing.

Grammar pattern

odds + of + noun/gerund

Memory hint

Think of 'odds' as 'odd chances' — unusual, surprising possibilities.

Related words

Collocations with Odds

• considerable
• great
• impossible
• offer
• quote
• lay
• fall
• go down
• lengthen
• against the odds
• odds  against
• odds  of
• against all odds
• against all the odds
• face impossible odds
• considerable
• great
• impossible
• offer
• quote
• lay
• fall
• go down
• lengthen
• against the odds
• odds  against
• odds  of
• against all odds
• against all the odds
• face impossible odds
• considerable
• great
• impossible
• offer
• quote
• lay
• fall
• go down
• lengthen
• against the odds
• odds  against
• odds  of
• against all odds
• against all the odds
• face impossible odds

Synonyms for Odds

• conflict

Opposites of Odds

• certainty
• inevitability

Common mistakes with Odds

• 'Odds' is often confused with 'equal' when discussing chances.
• Learners may misuse 'odds' in singular rather than plural form.
• Some might think 'odds' only refers to gambling contexts.

Frequently asked questions about Odds

What does Odds mean?

The chances or likelihood of something happening.

What is the definition of Odds?

the degree to which something is likely to happen

How do you use Odds in a sentence?

The odds of winning the lottery are extremely low.

Can you give another example of Odds?

She calculated the odds before deciding to invest in the stock market.

What are synonyms for Odds?

Common alternatives include conflict.

What is the opposite of Odds?

Opposite meanings include certainty, inevitability.

What words go with Odds?

It commonly pairs with considerable, great, impossible, offer, quote, lay, fall, go down, lengthen, against the odds, odds  against, odds  of, against all odds, against all the odds, face impossible odds, considerable, great, impossible, offer, quote, lay, fall, go down, lengthen, against the odds, odds  against, odds  of, against all odds, against all the odds, face impossible odds, considerable, great, impossible, offer, quote, lay, fall, go down, lengthen, against the odds, odds  against, odds  of, against all odds, against all the odds, face impossible odds.

What are common mistakes when using Odds?

'Odds' is often confused with 'equal' when discussing chances. Learners may misuse 'odds' in singular rather than plural form. Some might think 'odds' only refers to gambling contexts.

How do you pronounce Odds?

US: /["/ɑːdz/"]/, UK: /["/ɒdz/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Odds?

Use 'odds' in conversations about probability or betting. It's neutral, but informal contexts work better. Avoid using it in very formal writing.

What CEFR level is Odds?

"Odds" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.