adversity
Americannoun
plural
adversities-
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
-
an adverse or unfortunate event or circumstance.
You will meet many adversities in life.
noun
-
distress; affliction; hardship
-
an unfortunate event or incident
Related Words
See affliction.
Etymology
Origin of adversity
First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English adversite, from Anglo-French, from Latin adversitās “opposition”; equivalent to adverse + -ity
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
His greatness stems from his ability to fight through adversity.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026
Experiences such as emotional neglect and other forms of adversity can significantly influence a child's development.
From Science Daily • Mar. 17, 2026
Tibbs was thrown for a loop by both trades, and taught him a lesson about facing adversity.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026
"For a young guy that's not had too much adversity in an England shirt so far, I think it's been an interesting week for me to handle," said Smith.
From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026
A person to be relied upon in adversity.
From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
