What does chance mean?
"Chance" is one of English's most versatile words, functioning primarily as a noun but also as a verb. At its core, chance denotes possibility: the likelihood that something will occur, as in "there's a chance of snow tonight." It equally signifies an opportunity — a favorable opening to act, as in "give it a chance" or "seize the chance." A third sense covers luck or fortune, the unpredictable element in how life unfolds, captured in phrases like "by chance" or "leaving things to chance." As a verb, chiefly informal and especially British, it means to risk: "I'll chance it and go without a coat." The word carries no strong positive or negative connotation on its own; context determines whether a chance is hopeful (an opportunity) or worrying (a risk). Derived forms include the adjective "chancy," meaning uncertain or risky, and the noun "chancer," an informal British term for someone who takes advantage of situations opportunistically. Its everyday usefulness makes it essential vocabulary for discussing probability, opportunity, and fortune alike.
The possibility of something happening; probability.
"There's little chance that the flight will be delayed."
Often used with modifiers indicating degree: a good, slim, or fifty-fifty chance.
An opportunity or favorable occasion to do something.
"This is your last chance to submit the application."
Luck or fortune; the unpredictable factor in events.
"They met entirely by chance at the airport."
Frequently appears in fixed phrases such as 'by chance' and 'leave nothing to chance.'
To risk doing something; to take the risk that something may happen.
"He chanced a quick glance over his shoulder."
Informal; chiefly British when used intransitively, as in 'to chance it.'
The plural is standard and common, especially when weighing probabilities: 'the chances are' introduces a likely outcome.
"The chances are high that the project will finish early."
The word 'chance' and 'cadence' are cousins — both trace back to a Latin verb about things that fall, which is why chance literally describes how events 'fall out.'
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of chance
Chance entered Middle English from Old French "cheance," meaning occurrence or fortune, derived from the Vulgar Latin *cadentia, a falling or befalling, from the Latin verb cadere, "to fall." The underlying image is of dice or events literally falling into place, which links chance to cognates such as "cadence," "incident," "occasion," and "decay" — all ultimately descendants of cadere. The word has carried its core sense of unpredictable outcome since its earliest recorded use in English, with the verbal sense developing later.
Related word forms
How chance is actually used
Common in both formal and informal registers. In British English the noun is often pronounced /tʃɑːns/, while American English typically uses /tʃæns/. The verb sense ('to chance it') is informal and chiefly British. Note also the useful adjective 'chancy,' meaning risky or uncertain.
Easily confused with chance
'Chants' are repeated rhythmic songs or calls, whereas 'chance' refers to possibility or luck; the words differ in both meaning and vowel sound.