noun · C1

Odds

ODZ/ɒdz/

Odds are the chances of something, often as a ratio: the odds of, long odds, against the odds. Also at odds (in conflict) and odds and ends. Chance and likelihood are everyday. Odd (adjective) is strange or not even. Do not write odds for a single sure fact.

Meaning

The chance that something will happen, often as a ratio; also, disagreement (at odds).

Examples

“The odds of a clean replication were poor with n = 11.”
“The odds of a clean replication were poor with n = 11, which belonged in the abstract.”
“At odds with the protocol means in conflict. Odd one out is the adjective. Likelihood is everyday; odds often sound like betting or stats.”

Good to know

Chances (often a ratio). Phrase: at odds (in conflict); against the odds. Everyday: chance. Mix-up: odd (strange / not even). Not a certainty.

Near in meaning

chance

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