faced steep odds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "faced steep odds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone encounters significant challenges or difficulties in achieving a goal. Example: "Despite having faced steep odds, the team managed to win the championship against all expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Fielding questions from the news media, Ocampo agreed that his candidacy faced steep odds.

The Washington Post

Lyon believes the Trauma Harder Styles tour faced steep odds for success and its disappointing ending might have a detrimental effect on the genre's chance at gaining a wider audience.

Vice

Buono has faced steep odds against the popular Christie, including the incumbent's 30-plus point lead in the polls and a Democratic Party establishment that has never warmed to her candidacy.

Huffington Post

"We knew we faced steep odds, but we also knew that once Judge Alito becomes Justice Alito, there's no turning back the Senate confirmation vote". The filibuster effort split the Senate's 44 Democrats, 19 of whom voted to end debate.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

CitySearch faced steeper odds.

Forbes

Either step would also face steep odds.

The New York Times

Proactive parents might help these students make it through high school, but they face steep odds once they leave home.

The New York Times

But if history offers any lesson, average investors face steep odds if they hope to make big money in a much-hyped stock like Facebook.

The New York Times

Felons face steep odds, though, in states like California, where the governor's office gives out only a handful of pardons every year, if that.

The New York Times

Though it faces steep odds, the measure earned a hearing amid a larger legislative push in GOP-controlled states for new restrictions on abortion rights, in a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade.

The Washington Post

The data supports the theory's prediction that entrants pursuing a sustaining strategy for a stand-alone business will face steep odds: In Christensen's seminal study of the disk drive industry, only 6% of sustaining entrants managed to succeed.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "faced steep odds" to describe situations where success is unlikely but still possible, emphasizing the challenge involved.

Common error

Avoid using "faced steep odds" when describing minor inconveniences or everyday challenges. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios involving significant, almost insurmountable difficulties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "faced steep odds" functions as a descriptive phrase indicating that someone or something encountered significant challenges or difficulties in achieving a desired outcome. Ludwig provides examples from varied sources that showcase how this phrase is employed in context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "faced steep odds" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe encountering significant challenges. As Ludwig highlights, its usage is most common in news and media contexts, carrying a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. While not overly frequent, the phrase effectively conveys the magnitude of difficulty and the implied resilience needed to overcome it. When using this phrase, it's best reserved for situations where the challenges are considerable, avoiding its application to trivial matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encountered significant obstacles

Focuses on the obstacles rather than the likelihood of failure.

confronted considerable challenges

Emphasizes the act of facing challenges, highlighting a proactive response.

battled against great adversity

Suggests a more prolonged and intense struggle against difficult circumstances.

grappled with tough difficulties

Highlights the struggle and effort involved in dealing with the challenges.

navigated formidable hurdles

Implies a skillful approach to overcoming challenges, suggesting strategic maneuvering.

contended with major setbacks

Focuses on the negative impacts and delays caused by the difficulties.

coped with demanding trials

Highlights the endurance and resilience required to handle the difficulties.

endured severe hardships

Emphasizes the suffering and deprivation experienced during the difficult period.

weathered intense storms

Uses a metaphorical image to convey the experience of enduring significant challenges.

overcame imposing obstacles

Highlights the successful resolution of the challenges, focusing on triumph and achievement.

FAQs

How can I use "faced steep odds" in a sentence?

You can use "faced steep odds" to describe situations where someone or something encountered significant challenges or difficulties. For example, "Despite having "faced steep odds", the team managed to win the championship against all expectations."

What are some alternatives to "faced steep odds"?

Alternatives include "encountered significant obstacles", "confronted considerable challenges", or "battled against great adversity". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "faced steep odds"?

It is appropriate to use "faced steep odds" when describing situations where success is unlikely due to significant and challenging circumstances. Reserve it for situations that involve high stakes and considerable difficulty.

Is "faced steep odds" a formal or informal expression?

"Faced steep odds" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It appears frequently in news articles and can also be used in everyday conversation.