Definition of chance

Short definition: The word chance means the possibility that something may happen, an opportunity to try or succeed, or a situation where events are decided by luck rather than careful planning.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word chance? The word chance is closely connected to moments that feel uncertain, unexpected, or full of possibility. Sometimes it means luck or coincidence, and other times it means an opportunity that might change everything if you decide to take it. In everyday life, we use chance when talking about risks, hopes, timing, and those small moments that can lead to big outcomes. Below, each meaning is explained in a relaxed, real-life way with long examples that sound natural in real conversations.

Plural: chances
Verb forms: chance, chances, chancing, chanced
Related: chanceful adj., chance-based adj.
Syllable: chance

1. The possibility that something may happen, even when the result is uncertain and depends on factors you cannot fully control.
   There’s always a chance that things won’t go exactly as planned, but that uncertainty is often what makes life more interesting and exciting.
   She knows there is a chance she might fail, but she still prefers to try rather than wonder what could have been.
   We took a chance by starting the business during a difficult time, hoping that hard work would eventually pay off.

   Synonyms: possibility, likelihood, probability, prospect, potential, uncertainty, risk, odds, outlook, expectation, chance factor, random outcome
   Antonyms: certainty, guarantee, impossibility, zero chance, fixed outcome, assurance, inevitability, dead certainty, sure thing, predictability, no-risk situation, foregone conclusion

2. An opportunity to do something that could improve your life or change your situation for the better.
   This job interview is your chance to show what you’re capable of, so don’t waste it by doubting yourself.
   She finally got the chance to travel abroad, something she had dreamed about for years.
   Everyone deserves a second chance, especially when they are truly trying to change.

   Synonyms: opportunity, opening, possibility for growth, lucky break, shot, moment, turning point, door, window, golden opportunity, fresh start, new beginning
   Antonyms: obstacle, barrier, limitation, restriction, dead end, closed door, missed opportunity, setback, disadvantage, roadblock, lost chance, blocked path

3. Luck or coincidence that brings unexpected results, whether good or bad.
   By pure chance, they met again years later in a completely different city, something neither of them could have planned.
   It was just chance that saved him that day, because he decided to leave a few minutes earlier than usual.
   Sometimes life changes direction simply because of chance, not because of careful planning.

   Synonyms: luck, coincidence, accident, fate, randomness, fortune, happenstance, serendipity, twist of fate, stroke of luck, random event, unexpected turn
   Antonyms: planning, intention, design, careful control, strategy, purpose, forethought, deliberate action, calculated move, certainty of plan, organized effort, controlled outcome

4. (Verb) To take a risk or try something even though the result is uncertain.
   He decided to chance it and apply for the position, even though he wasn’t sure he met all the requirements.
   She chanced asking for help, hoping someone would understand her situation.
   They chanced staying out late, knowing they might regret it the next morning.

   Synonyms: risk, dare, take a gamble, venture, try one’s luck, take a shot, gamble, attempt boldly, go for it, test fate, put at risk, step out bravely
   Antonyms: play safe, avoid risk, stay cautious, hold back, act carefully, choose security, be conservative, avoid danger, refuse to gamble, stay in comfort zone, protect oneself, be risk-averse

5. (Figurative) A moment in life that feels small at first but later turns out to be important.
   Saying yes to that small invitation turned out to be the chance that changed her entire career path.
   One simple conversation became the chance that helped him rebuild his confidence.
   Sometimes the biggest changes start with a single chance we almost didn’t take.

   Synonyms: turning point, life moment, defining opportunity, key moment, breakthrough, pivotal moment, catalyst, spark, beginning, wake-up call, trigger, important step
   Antonyms: missed moment, wasted opportunity, dead moment, meaningless event, forgettable time, lost cause, false start, empty moment, no-impact event, unimportant incident, wasted time, dead end