bad odds

USAGE SUMMARY

"bad odds" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where the chances of success are low or unfavorable. Example: "He knew it was a risky bet, but he still went for it despite the bad odds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Faster vehicles and high powered rifles have further reduced the already bad odds against the animals.

The Guardian

No matter how much confidence a coach has in his offense, those are bad odds.

The New York Times

These are bad odds for comfortable families used to accessing the services they want.

The Guardian

With this payoff, a 1 in 10 million chance of being decisive isn't bad odds.

The Washington Post

It's a game of numbers — and slow lorises have bad odds to start.

The New York Times

Why persist in such a cruel pursuit with such bad odds?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Continetti's idea of McCain as a true post-partisan glosses over other character attributes that won't help his candidacy -- namely a tendency toward thrill-seeking (he enjoys placing large wagers on the bad-odds bets in the game of craps) and a personality that reveals the extent to which one man's maverick is another man's erratic decision-maker.

The Washington Post

Growth spurts depend on people who don't know how bad their odds of success are.

The New York Times

Given the bad economic odds, what's in it for him?

The New Yorker

In this story, Bryan's Dad decides that life is a game, and no matter how bad the odds are, it's worth playing.

Stanford University

You are spirit!" "I think spirit means always believing in what is important to you, no matter how bad the odds are".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bad odds", ensure the context clearly indicates what the odds are against. Specify the event or outcome facing these unfavorable chances for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "bad odds" means impossibility. While the chances are low, success is still possible. Recognize that "bad odds" indicates a challenge, not a guaranteed failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad odds" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a situation characterized by a low probability of success, as exemplified in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bad odds" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe situations with a low probability of success. As indicated by Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase and serves to temper expectations or acknowledge challenges. Its usage spans various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While the phrase indicates unfavorable circumstances, it does not imply impossibility. Ludwig's examples and the analysis above provide comprehensive insights into the phrase's usage and alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

low probability

This phrase uses statistical terminology to indicate a small chance of success.

long shot

This phrase suggests that success is possible but highly improbable.

remote possibility

This alternative suggests that success is unlikely and distant.

slim chance

This alternative emphasizes the small likelihood of success.

poor prospects

This phrase highlights the unfavorable outlook or future possibilities.

bleak outlook

This alternative conveys a pessimistic view of the future.

unfavorable circumstances

This alternative focuses on the negative conditions impacting the outcome.

adverse conditions

This alternative focuses on the negative circumstances affecting the outcome.

uphill battle

This metaphor describes a situation where significant effort is needed to overcome obstacles.

challenging situation

This phrase highlights the difficulty and adversity faced.

FAQs

How can I use "bad odds" in a sentence?

You can use "bad odds" to describe situations where success is unlikely. For example, "Despite the bad odds, she decided to pursue her dream".

What are some alternatives to saying "bad odds"?

You can use alternatives like "slim chance", "poor prospects", or "long shot" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the odds are bad"?

Yes, "the odds are bad" is grammatically correct and conveys the same meaning as "bad odds". The choice depends on stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "bad odds" and "impossible"?

"Bad odds" indicates a low probability of success, while "impossible" means there is no chance of success. "Bad odds" suggests a challenge, not a certainty.