ODDS Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

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odds

[ odz ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

(usually used with a plural verb)

the probability that something is so, will occur, or is more likely to occur than something else:
The odds are that it will rain today.
the ratio of probability that something is so, will occur, or is more likely to occur than something else.
this ratio used as the basis of a bet; the ratio by which the bet of one party to a wager exceeds that of the other, granted by one of two betting opponents to equalize the chances favoring one of them:
The odds are two-to-one that it won't rain today.
an equalizing allowance, as that given the weaker person or team in a contest; handicap.
an advantage or degree of superiority on the side of two contending parties; a difference favoring one of two contestants.
an amount or degree by which one thing is better or worse than another.

odds

/ ɒ�� /

plural noun

foll byon or against the probability, expressed as a ratio, that a certain event will take place
the odds against the outsider are a hundred to one
the amount, expressed as a ratio, by which the wager of one better is greater than that of another
he was offering odds of five to one
the likelihood that a certain state of affairs will be found to be so
the odds are that he is drunk
the chances or likelihood of success in a certain undertaking
their odds were very poor after it rained
an equalizing allowance, esp one given to a weaker side in a contest
the advantage that one contender is judged to have over another
the odds are on my team
a significant difference (esp in the phrase it makes no odds )
at odds
1. on bad terms
2. appearing not to correspond or match
  the silvery hair was at odds with her youthful shape
give odds or lay odds
to offer a bet with favourable odds
take odds
to accept such a bet
over the odds
1. more than is expected, necessary, etc
  he got two pounds over the odds for this job
2. unfair or excessive
what's the odds? informal.
what difference does it make?

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of odds¹

First recorded in 1490–1500; special use of odd

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Idioms and Phrases

at odds, at variance; in disagreement:
They were usually at odds over political issues.
by all odds, in every respect; by far; undoubtedly: Also by long odds, by odds.
She is by all odds the brightest child in the family.

More idioms and phrases containing odds

against all odds
at odds
by all odds
lay odds

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

What are the odds of these rare works showing up back to back?

From

He was considered one of the leading contenders for the 2024 National and was sent off at odds of 10-1 but dwelt at the start and unseated rider Brian Hayes at The Chair.

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Changes to the Mega Millions lottery will increase the cost of a ticket but also boost the odds of winning and the size of the jackpot.

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Virgin Islands, will consist of a higher priced ticket, bigger prizes at every non-jackpot prize tier, better odds to win the jackpot, better odds overall, larger starting jackpots and faster-growing jackpots.

From

Shortly after assuming the role of acting president, Han blocked the appointment of new judges to the constitutional court - something the opposition hoped would improve the odds of Yoon getting impeached.

From

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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