notwithstanding the odds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "notwithstanding the odds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is happening or being done despite challenges or difficulties. Example: "Notwithstanding the odds, she completed the marathon and achieved her personal best time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But success stories of ex-scout teamers like Tony Romo, Arian Foster and James Harrison notwithstanding, the odds of a practice squad player ascending to a lengthy, secure NFL career are steep.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Notwithstanding the inability to control for the number of embryos transferred, the odds of preterm birth in women with singleton birth following ART treatment is 1.51-fold (95% CI: 1.42 1.61) compared to non-ART mothers.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Notwithstanding the previous sources credentials, the actual odds of any straight flush being dealt in the same deal as a full house in a heads up game are calculated to be much less than stated by the previous source.

Wikipedia

The odds favored oblivion.

The New York Times

Suddenly, the odds changed.

The New York Times - Books

The odds look poor.

The Economist

Hoping against the odds.

Independent

Still, forget the odds.

The New York Times

I like the odds.

The New York Times

He knows the odds.

The New York Times

The odds are formidable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "notwithstanding the odds" to emphasize that an outcome was unlikely or difficult to achieve, adding a sense of accomplishment or surprise to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "notwithstanding the odds" in very informal contexts. While generally acceptable, it has a slightly formal tone that might seem out of place in casual conversation or writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "notwithstanding the odds" functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce a situation that exists or occurs despite seemingly insurmountable difficulties or low probabilities. As seen in Ludwig, it highlights the unexpected nature of an outcome.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "notwithstanding the odds" is a prepositional phrase that indicates something happening despite significant challenges or low probabilities. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media, with a slightly formal tone, making it suitable for professional communication. When aiming for less formality, alternatives like "despite the challenges" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regardless of the improbability

Focuses specifically on the low probability of success.

in spite of the difficulties

Directly addresses the presence of problems but still achieving success.

despite the challenges

Focuses more on the difficulties faced rather than the statistical improbability.

against all expectations

Emphasizes the surprise element of achieving something improbable.

triumphing over adversity

More dramatic and emphasizes a victory over difficult circumstances.

in the face of adversity

Highlights the presence of hardship and opposition.

defying expectations

Implies a conscious effort to go against what is predicted.

overcoming obstacles

Highlights the act of surpassing barriers and impediments.

bucking the trend

Suggests a resistance to a prevailing pattern or tendency.

swimming against the tide

Illustrates the effort of opposing a strong current or popular opinion.

FAQs

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

You can use "notwithstanding the odds" to highlight an unexpected success or outcome, such as: "Notwithstanding the odds, the team managed to win the championship."

What are some alternatives to "notwithstanding the odds"?

Alternatives include "despite the challenges", "in the face of adversity", or "against all expectations" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "notwithstanding the odds" formal or informal?

"Notwithstanding the odds" leans toward the formal side. For more casual situations, you might prefer phrases like "against all odds" or "despite everything".

What is the difference between "notwithstanding the odds" and "despite the odds"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "notwithstanding the odds" tends to be slightly more formal and emphatic than "despite the odds". The choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.