DictionaryoddsUnequal advantage
noun

odds

An advantage or disadvantage in a contest.

Our outnumbered team battles overwhelming odds in the final round.

Etymology

The older idea is inequality between opposing sides. Odds measure or describe the advantage or disadvantage that prevents a contest from being evenly balanced.

More examples

  • Despite overwhelming odds, the defenders refuse to surrender.
  • With twice as many players, their side has the odds in its favor.
  • The underdogs overcome steep odds to win the championship.

Forms

odds

Similar words

advantage
Names a favorable condition, not the overall imbalance between opponents.
handicap
Names a specific disadvantage that makes competing harder.