adversity
ad-VUR-sih-tee
Adversity (noun) means Difficult or unfortunate circumstances; hardship. Example: “She showed real strength in the face of adversity.”
noun
1
Difficult or unfortunate circumstances; hardship.
"She showed real strength in the face of adversity."
"The team pulled together during a season full of adversity."
How to use adversity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHardship or tough circumstances that test someone.
Common pairings
face adversity
overcome adversity
in the face of adversity
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Word forms
- Plural
- adversities
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She showed real strength in the face of _____.
Etymology
From Old French adversité, from Latin adversitās, based on adversus, "turned against."
Synonyms
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hardship
hard knocks
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for adversity
See all rhymes for adversity →Frequently asked questions
What does “adversity” mean?
The word “adversity” means difficult or unfortunate circumstances; hardship. In plain terms, hardship or tough circumstances that test someone.
How do you pronounce “adversity”?
“Adversity” is pronounced ad-VUR-sih-tee (/ædˈvɝ.sɪ.ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “adversity” in a sentence?
Here is “adversity” used in a sentence: “She showed real strength in the face of adversity.”
What part of speech is “adversity”?
“Adversity” is a noun.
Where does the word “adversity” come from?
The word “adversity” comes from Latin. From Old French adversité, from Latin adversitās, based on adversus, "turned against.".
Is “adversity” a common word?
“Adversity” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
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