against the odds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "against the odds" is correct and usable in written English.
It is most commonly used to express something that has been accomplished, despite being very unlikely. For example: "Despite the obstacles, she was determined to succeed and, against the odds, she managed to successfully complete the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Books

Lifestyle

Music

TV & Radio

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

AGAINST THE ODDS By Marjolijn Hof.

The New York Times - Books

Hoping against the odds.

Independent

"We fight against the odds.

The New York Times - Sports

Against the odds.

The Guardian - Music

It's against the odds.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Achievement against the odds deserves recognition.

Independent

XCOM is, against the odds, a masterpiece.

The New York Times - Arts

He will score against the odds.

The New York Times - Sports

Or their triumph against the odds?

Independent

Yet, against the odds, the sport survives.

The New York Times

Against the odds, they persevere.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "against the odds", ensure the context clearly establishes the challenging circumstances being overcome. Provide specific details about the obstacles to highlight the significance of the achievement.

Common error

Avoid using "against the odds" when the situation presents only minor inconveniences. The phrase is most impactful when describing truly improbable successes rather than everyday challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "against the odds" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe how an action was performed or a result was achieved. As Ludwig AI indicates, this describes situations where success was improbable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "against the odds" is a very common and grammatically correct way to express success despite significant challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, highlighting stories of resilience and unexpected achievements. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, ensuring the context accurately reflects the magnitude of the challenges involved is crucial for its effective use. Consider using alternatives like "defying expectations" or "overcoming adversity" to add nuanced meaning depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

triumphing over obstacles

Stresses the victorious outcome after confronting and overcoming specific barriers.

in spite of difficulties

Directly states the presence of challenges that are being disregarded or surpassed.

overcoming adversity

Focuses on the struggle and resilience required to conquer difficult situations.

succeeding against expectations

Highlights the achievement in contrast to what was predicted or believed to be possible.

defying expectations

Highlights a surprise element, indicating that the outcome contradicts what was anticipated.

achieving the impossible

Emphasizes the seemingly unattainable nature of the goal that was ultimately accomplished.

swimming upstream

Emphasizes the effort and resistance faced when going against the prevailing direction.

bucking the trend

Implies resistance to a common pattern or prevailing tendency.

beating the system

Indicates success despite systemic barriers or rules that hinder progress.

flying in the face of convention

Indicates a bold and direct challenge to established norms or practices.

FAQs

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

Use "against the odds" to highlight an achievement or success that was unlikely given the circumstances. For example, "Against the odds, the small business thrived during the recession."

What are some alternative phrases for "against the odds"?

You can use alternatives such as "defying expectations", "overcoming adversity", or "in spite of difficulties" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify what the odds are when using the phrase "against the odds"?

While not always necessary, specifying the odds or the challenges involved strengthens the impact of the statement. It provides context and emphasizes the magnitude of the achievement.

What is the difference between "triumphing over obstacles" and "against the odds"?

"Triumphing over obstacles" specifically emphasizes the act of overcoming identifiable barriers, while "against the odds" is a broader term that implies a general improbability of success, which can be due to any number of factors.