adversity

[ ad-vur-si-tee ]

noun

, plural ad·ver·si·ties

1. adverse or unfavorable fortune or fate; a condition marked by misfortune, calamity, or distress:

   Friends will show their true colors in times of adversity.

   Synonyms: misery, trouble, disaster, catastrophe

   Antonyms: prosperity

2. an adverse or unfortunate event or circumstance:

   You will meet many adversities in life.

adversity

/ ədˈvɜːsɪtɪ /

noun

1. distress; affliction; hardship
2. an unfortunate event or incident

Word History and Origins

Origin of adversity¹

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English adversite, from Anglo-French, from Latin adversitās “opposition”; equivalent to adverse + -ity

Synonym Study

See affliction.

Example Sentences

“I’m just saying, ‘Wait till we hit some adversity.

From Los Angeles Times

The BBFC's latest annual report said the rating was changed because of "violence and threat" in the film, despite this being "offset by humour and an emphasis on loyalty in adversity".

From BBC

What does this legacy of Black liberalism tell us about responding to Donald Trump’s return to power, and the extraordinary period of adversity that lies ahead?

From Salon

Timmy is an accepted member of the class: he fails to complete homework, faces adversity and causes trouble with his disabled best friend Jimmy.

From BBC

As the team headed home, dealing with its first set of adversity of the season, Redick challenged his players.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• calamity
• catastrophe
• crunch
• difficulty
• disaster
• hard times
• hardship
• misery
• misfortune
• mishap
• sorrow
• suffering
• trouble