against considerable odds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "against considerable odds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone achieves something despite facing significant challenges or difficulties. Example: "She managed to complete the marathon against considerable odds, overcoming her injury and the harsh weather conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The performers worked against considerable odds.

The New Yorker

More to the point, against considerable odds, he just kept on being alive.

The New Yorker

Against considerable odds, Johnson's side played well and went 2-0 up.

Independent

I go on to say that "Churchill and Reagan represented strategic and moral decisiveness against considerable odds".

The New York Times - Books

He won too, just as, against considerable odds, he won the chariot race and kept the title despite serious doubts about the validity of the contest.

The Guardian - Sport

Hirata's autobiographical novel is an endearing and inspirational story of poor ethnic Malay students struggling against considerable odds to get an education.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

That has placed all of our traditions at considerable odds with a populist resentment against migrants and refugees desperate for a safe escape from violence and disorder, whether in the Levant or Latin America.

Huffington Post

If they succeed, they will have overcome considerable odds.

The New York Times - Arts

Two who made it at Lafayette and Tilden overcame considerable odds.

Huffington Post

Somehow, against the odds, defying all fears, Dereck Chisora and Dillian Whyte, sworn enemies from either side of the Thames, produced a memorable heavyweight contest of considerable nobility to wipe away the rancour that had poisoned not only their relationship but the sport.

The Guardian - Sport

Hoping against the odds.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "against considerable odds" to add emphasis to a situation where success was improbable. It conveys a sense of resilience and determination.

Common error

Avoid using "against considerable odds" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations involving genuinely significant challenges or obstacles that would deter most people.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "against considerable odds" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the circumstances under which an action is performed or a result is achieved. Ludwig examples show it describing situations where individuals or entities succeed despite facing significant challenges.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "against considerable odds" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to underscore achievements attained despite significant challenges. As affirmed by Ludwig, its purpose is to highlight resilience and determination, often found within news and media contexts. When using this expression, be mindful of the actual significance of the odds faced. Overusing it in trivial situations diminishes its impact. Semantically related alternatives include phrases like "despite significant obstacles" or "in the face of great adversity", which can provide nuanced emphasis depending on the specific context. Choosing the most appropriate alternative will always depend on the details of your scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

despite significant obstacles

Focuses on the obstacles themselves rather than the likelihood of failure.

in the face of great adversity

Highlights the challenging and difficult conditions.

against overwhelming obstacles

Emphasizes that the obstacles are so many and impactful that may discourage someone.

defying all expectations

Highlights the unexpected nature of the success.

triumphing over adversity

Emphasizes the act of winning and the positive outcome of the fight.

surmounting considerable challenges

Emphasizes the active process of overcoming difficulties.

beating the odds

An idiomatic alternative emphasizing improbability.

overcoming significant hurdles

Highlights the progress beyond all the difficulties that put someone in the way.

prevailing against the odds

Emphasizes ultimate success after a period of struggle.

succeeding against the grain

Highlights going against popular opinion, especially as it flies in the face of trends.

FAQs

How can I use "against considerable odds" in a sentence?

You can use "against considerable odds" to highlight a success achieved despite significant challenges. For example: "She won the election "against considerable odds", facing a well-funded opponent and a hostile media environment."

What phrases are similar to "against considerable odds"?

Similar phrases include "despite significant challenges", "in the face of adversity", or "against all odds", each conveying a sense of overcoming difficulties.

Is it ever incorrect to use "against considerable odds"?

While grammatically correct, overusing the phrase or applying it to trivial situations can dilute its impact. It should be reserved for scenarios where the challenges are genuinely substantial.

What's the difference between "against considerable odds" and "against all odds"?

"Against all odds" implies a situation where success seemed almost impossible, while ""against considerable odds"" suggests that while success was difficult, it wasn't necessarily seen as entirely unachievable. The former carries a stronger sense of improbability.