though against the odds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "though against the odds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a situation where success is achieved despite facing significant challenges or difficulties. Example: "She managed to complete the marathon, though against the odds, after recovering from a serious injury."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stick with them, though, because against the odds, these miscreants' trilogy‑ending album is a seriously heady decoction of eastern mysticism hitched up to heavy droning jams.

The Guardian - Music

I find Tyldesley's patter about the morally superior Ghana deserving our support as though they're a team of against the odds and heart-warming stories rather than well-numerated players mainly spread across Europe's top league.

The Guardian - Sport

Several years ago, though, the odds against such cozy intimacy would have been roughly the same as those against the White Rock girl's being crowned Miss Rheingold.

The New Yorker

To some political analysts, it seemed too ambitious a goal, though bold pronouncements against the odds have become the signature of Mr. Fox's public discourse.

The New York Times

Over the last century and a half, though, against considerable odds, one national institution has survived intact -- Rhum Barbancourt.

Los Angeles Times

Historically, though, the odds are stacked against her.

The Guardian - Film

Actually to be one, though, is to lengthen the odds against yourself.

The New Yorker

(6) No Trollope this year, not even one — even though, against all odds, there is an app for that.

The New York Times - Books

Chepstow racecourse officials have been determined, come hell or high water, to stage the Welsh Grand National on Saturday afternoon following the washout of the initial fixture on 27 December and, as of Friday night, it looked as though they would succeed against the odds.

Independent

Today though, we reported that the odds are against Spotify launching for free in the U.S., and MySpace Music may move to a subscription model.

TechCrunch

Moments later, another celebrated artist who is considered "contemporary" though long dead, made the grade against the odds.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "though against the odds" to highlight a surprising or unexpected success in the face of significant difficulties. It adds emphasis to both the challenge and the achievement.

Common error

Avoid using "though against the odds" when there is no real element of surprise or significant challenge. It should not be a mere connector but highlight genuine adversity overcome.

Linguistic Context

Concessive conjunction phrase, used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems unexpected given the preceding information. It modifies the main clause by setting up a condition of adversity, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples of people or entities triumphing despite difficult circumstances.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "though against the odds" is a concessive phrase used to express a surprising outcome, where something succeeds despite significant challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially within news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that a genuine element of surprise or adversity is present to strengthen its impact. Alternatives like "despite unfavorable circumstances" or "in defiance of expectations" can be used for semantic variation, but consider the specific nuances they convey. The phrase is generally suitable for neutral to slightly formal writing, avoiding overly technical or informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

although facing adversity

Similar, but places the emphasis on the presence of adversity.

against all expectations

Stronger emphasis on surprise result.

despite unfavorable circumstances

Emphasizes the adverse conditions faced, lacking the explicit conjunction.

even with slim chances

Focuses on the low probability of success, omitting the concessive element.

however improbable it seemed

Highlights the perceived unlikelihood of success, akin to a disclaimer.

notwithstanding the difficulties

More formal, highlighting the challenges that were overcome.

in spite of the long shot

Focuses on the improbability, suggesting a risky undertaking.

in defiance of expectations

Highlights a challenge to prevailing anticipations.

even if the situation was dire

Highlights the desperation of the situation, implying resilience.

regardless of the slim possibility

Emphasizes the minimal chance of success, denoting determination.

FAQs

How can I use "though against the odds" in a sentence?

Use "though against the odds" to showcase a surprising success or achievement despite facing significant challenges. For example, "She managed to finish the race, "though against the odds", after a severe injury."

What are some alternatives to saying "though against the odds"?

You can use alternatives like "despite unfavorable circumstances", "in defiance of expectations", or "against all expectations" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "although against the odds"?

While similar in meaning to "though against the odds", "although against the odds" can sound slightly redundant. "Though" already implies a concessive relationship, so using "despite" or "against all odds" may provide better clarity.

What's the difference between "against the odds" and "though against the odds"?

"Against the odds" typically emphasizes the challenge itself, while "though against the odds" emphasizes the surprising nature of the success. The addition of "though" introduces a contrasting element, highlighting the unexpected outcome.