facing steep odds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "facing steep odds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone is confronted with significant challenges or difficulties that make success unlikely. Example: "Despite facing steep odds, the underdog team managed to win the championship against all expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It seems that the much heralded peace talks, which the United Nations and African Union have invested deeply in as a way to end the bloodshed in Darfur, are facing steep odds — dogged by no-shows, mistrust and a degree of chaos that is akin to the free-for-all that Darfur's conflict has degenerated into.

The New York Times

Let's fight hate & ignorance with love for trans teens, who are already facing steep odds and who need our support to grow and THRIVE.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Either step would also face steep odds.

The New York Times

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

The Washington Post

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

Chishti said the Trump administration faces steep odds in appealing to U.S. District Judge Dolly M. Gee in California, whose 2015 decision in the Flores case set the 20-day limit for child detentions.

The Washington Post

And while a major environmental bill has passed the House, which was an amazing and inspiring political achievement, the bill fell well short of what the planet really needs — and despite this faces steep odds in the Senate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "facing steep odds", consider the tone you want to convey. It can imply resilience, determination, or a sense of foreboding depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "facing steep odds" when the challenges are moderate. The word "steep" suggests that the difficulties are significant and make success unlikely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "facing steep odds" functions as a descriptive phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. It highlights the difficult circumstances or challenges that someone or something is encountering. According to Ludwig, it indicates a situation where success is unlikely.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "facing steep odds" effectively communicates that someone or something is in a difficult situation with a low probability of success. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase is generally neutral in tone, suitable for objectively describing challenging circumstances. Alternative phrases like "confronting significant challenges" or "up against tough obstacles" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure that the difficulties are truly significant to justify the strong implication of "steep".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Facing an uphill battle

Emphasizes the difficulty and effort required to succeed.

Having slim chances

Directly addresses the low probability of success.

Confronting significant challenges

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

Up against tough obstacles

Emphasizes the obstacles that need to be overcome.

Battling against adversity

Highlights the struggle and resistance required.

Grappling with difficulties

Focuses on the act of dealing with problems.

Enduring hardship

Emphasizes the suffering involved in the situation.

Experiencing considerable setbacks

Highlights the negative impact of events on progress.

In a precarious situation

Focuses on the instability and potential danger of the circumstances.

Against all hope

Conveys a sense of near hopelessness.

FAQs

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

You can use "facing steep odds" to describe a situation where someone or something is confronted with significant challenges and a low probability of success. For example: "Despite "facing steep odds", the team remained determined to win."

What are some alternatives to "facing steep odds"?

Alternatives include "confronting significant challenges", "up against tough obstacles", or "battling against adversity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "facing steep odds" or "facing difficult challenges"?

"Facing steep odds" implies a higher degree of difficulty and a lower chance of success compared to "facing difficult challenges". The choice depends on the severity of the situation you're describing.

What does "steep odds" mean?

"Steep odds" refers to a situation where the probability of success is low due to significant challenges or disadvantages. It suggests that the likelihood of achieving a positive outcome is considerably diminished.