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Meaning & use

chances

noun, verb·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈtʃɑːnsɪz/
US/ˈtʃænsɪz/

“chances” is a form of “chance”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. nounplural

    Opportunities to do something that you want or need to do.

    Grammar: Plural of chance: you have a few chances left.

    Patterns

    • a chance to do something
    • chances of something

    You have two more chances to pass the test.

    She never gave him second chances.

    The new job opened up chances she had never expected.

  2. nounusually plural

    How likely it is that something will happen.

    Grammar: Often 'the chances are': the chances of rain are low.

    Patterns

    • the chances of something
    • the chances are that something

    The chances of winning the lottery are tiny.

    Chances are that he will be late again.

    Your chances improve if you practice every day.

  3. nounplural

    Risks that a person decides to accept.

    Grammar: Used with take: take chances.

    Patterns

    • take chances

    He never takes chances when driving in snow.

    Don't take chances with your health.

    Investors who take chances can lose a lot.

  4. verbtransitiveinformal

    Does something risky, hoping it will turn out well.

    Grammar: Third-person singular of chance; takes an object: chances it.

    Patterns

    • chances something

    He chances a quick look inside the room.

    She chances the narrow bridge in spite of the rain.

    Nobody chances the shortcut after dark.

Word forms

singularchance
past tensechanced
-ing formchancing

Common combinations

slim chances
With a cut leg, her chances of finishing were slim.
take chances
Young climbers sometimes take chances they should not.
improve your chances
Studying early will improve your chances of passing.
second chances
Everyone deserves second chances.
the chances are
The chances are that the bus is delayed.
fighting chances
After the surgery she has fighting chances to recover.

Synonyms and how they differ

opportunities
Opportunities is more formal and stresses a favorable moment, while chances can also be luck or risk.
odds
Odds expresses likelihood as a ratio or comparison, while chances is a simpler, everyday word.
prospects
Prospects looks ahead to future success, often in careers, while chances is more general.
risks
Risks focuses on possible harm, but chances can be positive.

Opposites

certaintiesimpossibilities

Word family

chance noun
a possibility, opportunity or accident
chancy adjective
risky and uncertain
chanced verb
past tense: took a risk or happened accidentally
chancing verb
-ing form: taking a risk

Commonly confused: chances or changes? chances or choices?

chances vs changes

Changes are alterations; chances are opportunities or likelihoods. The words look similar but differ by one letter.

chances vs choices

Choices are options you can pick from, while chances relate to opportunity or probability.

Practice

The weather is bad, so the ____ of the match going ahead are low.

Make it your own

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