despite the odds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "despite the odds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the sentiment that the speaker has succeeded or achieved something despite the challenges they faced. For example: Despite the odds, she managed to earn her degree and start a successful career.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Despite the odds, we're both hunters.

The New York Times - Travel

She thought he was doing O.K., despite the odds.

The New Yorker

Don't doubt that he can have success, despite the odds.

The New York Times - Arts

They depict black dignity despite the odds stacked against it.

The New Yorker

Despite the odds, Woods believes he has a chance.

The New York Times - Sports

And, despite the odds, she never wholly gives up on rehabilitation.

The New York Times

"You got to get those boys to think they can win despite the odds," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Pedaling with fury, focus and fluidity, he still believed he could win despite the odds.

The New York Times - Sports

But Batayeva, despite the odds, refuses to give up hope of finding him alive.

The Guardian

But despite the odds stacked against her, she is full of hope and ambition.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the truth is, she says, the desire to celebrate -- despite the odds -- is always there.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "despite the odds" to highlight a surprising or unexpected success in a narrative, adding emphasis to the accomplishment.

Common error

Avoid using "despite the odds" when the situation merely presents normal challenges. It's best suited for scenarios with significant, improbable obstacles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "despite the odds" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a clause, expressing contrast and concession. It indicates that something occurred or was achieved even though the circumstances suggested it was unlikely or difficult.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

22%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

12%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "despite the odds" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that signals a surprising success against unfavorable conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting its frequent use in news, business, and general contexts. While versatile, it is most effective when emphasizing a truly improbable achievement. Consider alternatives like "in the face of adversity" or "against all expectations" for similar meanings. When used effectively, "despite the odds" adds depth and impact to your writing by showcasing resilience and unexpected triumphs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in spite of the difficulties

Similar to "despite the odds", but focuses specifically on challenging circumstances.

against all expectations

Emphasizes the surprise element of succeeding when it seemed improbable.

triumphing over adversity

Strongly emphasizes the victory achieved in the face of challenging conditions.

in the face of adversity

Highlights the presence of challenges and difficulties that are being overcome.

defying the predictions

Highlights that the actual outcome is contrary to what was anticipated or forecasted.

notwithstanding the obstacles

Formally acknowledges the presence of impediments without being hindered by them.

even with the challenges

Directly points out the existing problems while highlighting a positive outcome.

withstanding the setbacks

Focuses on the ability to endure and overcome temporary failures or delays.

rising above the circumstances

Emphasizes the act of overcoming a restrictive or negative environment.

making it against the grain

Implies achieving success in a way that is contrary to the norm or common practice.

FAQs

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

Use "despite the odds" to show how someone succeeded even when things were unlikely or difficult. For example, "Despite the odds, she became a successful doctor".

What's a good alternative to "despite the odds"?

You can use phrases like "in the face of adversity", "against all expectations", or "in spite of the difficulties" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always appropriate to use "despite the odds"?

While grammatically correct, "despite the odds" is strongest when emphasizing a surprising or improbable outcome. Using it for ordinary challenges may dilute its impact. Consider if other alternatives would fit better.

What makes "despite the odds" different from "although it was difficult"?

"Despite the odds" implies that the challenges were not just difficult, but also improbable or unlikely to be overcome. "Although it was difficult" simply acknowledges the difficulty without implying improbability.