odds
3 synonyms for odds, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The likelihood of something happening, especially as expressed in betting.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
chances
How to use odds
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
against the odds
the odds of
beat the odds
long odds
Etymology
From "odd" in the old sense of "uneven" — the imbalance between two outcomes.
Full origin of odds →Frequently asked questions
What does “odds” mean?
The word “odds” means the likelihood of something happening, especially as expressed in betting. In plain terms, the chances of something happening, or a betting handicap.
How do you pronounce “odds”?
“Odds” is pronounced odz (/ɑdz/ in IPA).
How do you use “odds” in a sentence?
Here is “odds” used in a sentence: “The odds of winning the lottery are extremely slim.”
What part of speech is “odds”?
“Odds” is a noun.
Is “odds” a common word?
“Odds” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “odds” have?
“Odds” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the likelihood of something happening, especially as expressed in betting.
What is the difference between "odds" and "probability"?
Both express how likely something is, but odds usually compare the chance of an event happening to it not happening, such as 3 to 1, while probability is given as a fraction or percentage of all outcomes. Betting odds also build in the bookmaker's margin.
Is "odds" singular or plural?
"Odds" is used as a plural noun and normally takes a plural verb, as in "the odds are against us." It is not usually used in the singular in this sense.
What do "long odds" and "short odds" mean?
"Long odds" mean an outcome is unlikely, so a winning bet pays out more, while "short odds" mean it is likely and pays out less. The longer the odds, the smaller the chance of the event happening.
