adversity
ud-VER-suh-tee
/ədˈvɜːr.sə.ti/
A state of adverse condition; hard times, misfortune, or serious difficulty.
Focuses on external unfavorable circumstances or hostile forces opposing human effort.
The story behind the word. Rooted in Latin 'advertere' (to turn towards), the compound 'adversus' meant 'turned face-to-face against as an enemy'. Adversity thus originally described the experience of having circumstance itself turn around to block your path.
Word relationships
- hardship: Hardship emphasizes physical or financial deprivation, while adversity encompasses broad hostile conditions.
- prosperity: Prosperity indicates flourishing financial and social fortune.
Commonly confused with
- adversary: An adversary is an opponent or enemy (a person), whereas adversity is a difficult situation or condition.
Word family
- adverse (adjective): Preventing success or development; harmful or unfavorable.
- adversely (adverb): In a harmful or unfavorable manner.
Collocations
- face adversity
- overcome adversity
- in the face of adversity
- severe adversity
Idioms & expressions
- trial by fire
Example sentences
- "Sweet are the uses of adversity, which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, wears yet a precious jewel in his head." Literature quotation.
Memory hook
An ADVERSE wind turns against you, creating ADVERSITY. Circumstances turned against you.
When not to use
Do not use to describe minor daily inconveniences like a late bus; reserve for true hardship or systemic struggle.
Fun facts
- The classical phrase 'Ad astra per aspera' means 'To the stars through adversity'.
Related words
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