odds

odds

noun pl but singular or pl in constr \ˈädz\

Definition of ODDS

1

a archaic : inequalities b obsolete : degree of unlikeness

2

a : an amount by which one thing exceeds or falls short of another <won the election by considerable odds> b (1) : a difference favoring one of two opposed things <overwhelming odds> (2) : a difference in terms of advantage or disadvantage <what's the odds, if thinking so makes them happy — Flora Thompson> c (1) : the probability that one thing is so or will happen rather than another : chances <the odds are against it> (2) : the ratio of the probability of one event to that of an alternative event

3

: disagreement, variance —usually used with at <faculty and administration often are at odds on everything — W. E. Brock b1930>

4

a : special favor : partiality b : an allowance granted by one making a bet to one accepting the bet and designed to equalize the chances favoring one of the bettors c : the ratio between the amount to be paid off for a winning bet and the amount of the bet

— by all odds

: in every way : without question <by all odds the best book of the year>

First Known Use of ODDS

circa 1520