noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

adversity

ad-VUR-sih-tee

Adversity (noun) means difficult or unfortunate circumstances; hardship. Example: “She showed real strength in the face of adversity.”

noun

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 notes

In plain EnglishHardship or tough circumstances that test someone.

Common pairings

face adversity overcome adversity in the face of adversity

adversities plural

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Can you complete this real example?

She showed real strength in the face of _____.

From Old French adversité, from Latin adversitās, based on adversus, "turned against."

Origin: Latin

city pity deity unity entity equity nudity oddity enmity uppity vanity cavity

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.

Vocabulary lists that include adversity: