odds stacked against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "odds stacked against" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone faces significant challenges or disadvantages. Example: "Despite the odds stacked against him, he managed to win the championship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They depict black dignity despite the odds stacked against it.

The New Yorker

No superhero has had so many odds stacked against him.

The New York Times

It does indeed have the odds stacked against it.

The Economist

In short, modern readers will find the odds stacked against them.

Stanford University

But that is indeed what they are doing: beating odds stacked against them.

The New York Times

Sant and her husband, Andrew, certainly had the odds stacked against them.

Independent

Given the odds stacked against the package, why did policymakers go forward with it?

The New York Times

And a gamble is exactly what it would have been, one with the odds stacked against.

The Guardian

Some might think it looks like an insurmountable challenge with all the odds stacked against us.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Talk about the odds stacked up against him.

BBC

"All the odds stack against us but I think that suits us.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, combine "odds stacked against" with descriptive adjectives. For example, "overwhelming odds stacked against" or "insurmountable odds stacked against" to highlight the severity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "odds stacked against" to describe minor inconveniences. This phrase is best reserved for situations involving significant, systemic disadvantages, not everyday difficulties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "odds stacked against" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation where someone or something faces significant disadvantages or challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English and examples show it modifying nouns, offering context about the difficulty faced.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "odds stacked against" is a commonly used idiom to describe situations marked by significant disadvantages. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears in varied sources. Predominantly found in "News & Media", it signifies adversity and calls attention to challenging circumstances. When writing, it's advisable to reserve this phrase for truly significant challenges and make sure your context leaves no doubt for the magnitude and nature of the issue at hand. Alternatives such as "uphill battle" or "facing adversity" can be used to express similar meanings, based on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

battling against the odds

Emphasizes the act of struggling against unfavorable circumstances; highlights the resilience and determination required.

starting at a disadvantage

Focuses on the initial unfavorable position compared to others; emphasizes the lack of a level playing field.

uphill battle

Implies a difficult struggle with a high likelihood of failure; focuses on the effort required.

encountering obstacles

Highlights the presence of impediments hindering progress; emphasizes the challenges faced along the way.

facing adversity

Highlights the presence of challenging or unfavorable conditions; emphasizes the confrontation of difficulties.

overcoming challenges

Focuses on the process of successfully dealing with difficult situations; emphasizes the achievement of surmounting obstacles.

long shot

Indicates a low probability of success; emphasizes the unlikelihood of a positive outcome.

fighting against the tide

Suggests resistance against a powerful opposing force; focuses on the struggle against a dominant trend.

underdog status

Emphasizes the disadvantaged position of an individual or group; highlights their lower chances of winning.

in a precarious situation

Highlights the instability and risk associated with a particular context; emphasizes the vulnerability and potential for negative outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "odds stacked against" in a sentence?

You can use "odds stacked against" to describe a situation where someone faces significant disadvantages. For example, "Despite the "odds stacked against" him, he succeeded".

What is a good alternative to "odds stacked against"?

Alternatives include "uphill battle", "facing adversity", or "long shot", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "odds stacked against" in formal writing?

Yes, "odds stacked against" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece. It's often used in news, academic papers, and business reports.

What does it mean when someone says the "odds are stacked against" someone?

It means that person faces significant disadvantages and challenges that make success difficult. It's not just about a minor inconvenience; it indicates systemic or considerable obstacles.