adversity

[ad-vur-si-tee]

noun

plural

adversities 

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

Staffers have become experts on supporting kids who are facing adversity.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"After adversity is when we have to respond," said Alonso, insisting the team will find form again.

Read more on Barron's

“What a long way you have come. Per angusta ad augusta. Through adversity, we march onward to triumph. Remember, Penny, even a narrow and difficult road can lead to a high place.”

Read more on Literature

"It's been hard facing my first loss and coming back from adversity," Benn said.

Read more on BBC

The researchers also studied children exposed to early adversity and discovered that those carrying genetic variants that increase SGK1 production were more likely to experience depression as teenagers.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

• calamity 
• catastrophe 
• crunch 
• difficulty 
• disaster 
• hard times www.thesaurus.com
• hardship 
• misery 
• misfortune 
• mishap 
• sorrow 
• suffering 
• trouble