Adverse Meaning
/ˈæd.və(ɹ)s/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjUnfavorable; antagonistic in purpose or effect; hostile; actively opposing one's interests or wishes; contrary to one's welfare; acting against; working in an opposing direction.
adjOpposed; contrary; opposing one's interests or desire.
Sentence Examples
Is there any adverse reaction?
Some of the adverse effects of testosterone treatment may be popping up now.
Our plane was cancelled because of adverse weather conditions.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The hikers decided to turn back due to ____ weather conditions like heavy rain and strong winds.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The pilot was forced to land the plane due to ____ weather conditions.
Word Origin & History
First attested around 1374, from Old French avers (French adverse), from Latin adversus (“turned against”), past participle of advertere, from ad- (“to”) + vertere (“to turn”). See also versus.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Happy were it for us all if we bore prosperity as well and wisely as we endure an adverse fortune."
— 1829, Robert Southey, “(please specify the page)”, in Sir Thomas More: or, Colloquies on the Progress and Prospects of Society. […], volume (please specify |volume=I or II), London: John Murray, […], →OCLC:
"Northbound expresses have the hardest work to perform, with adverse grades predominating from Willesden to Tring."
— 1960 February, R. C. Riley, “The London-Birmingham services - Past, Present and Future”, in Trains Illustrated, page 98:
"Several types of diesel locomotive have been tested on this working and as a result the probable choice will be Type 2 diesels in pairs, without bankers. The crucial factor in the selection of this method is the higher degree of adhesion obtained than with a single Type 4; on trial one of the latter showed that in very adverse conditions it might slip to a standstill at one of the two tricky spots on the steep climb from Tyne Dock to Consett."
— 1964 September, “News: Fewer diesels for NER in 1965”, in Modern Railways, page 201:
"He said Robins had not been in trouble with the law before and had no previous convictions. Jail would have an adverse effect on her and her three children as she was the main carer."
— 2011 December 14, Steven Morris, “Devon woman jailed for 168 days for killing kitten in microwave”, in Guardian:
"Calpe's adverse height / […] must greet my sight"
— 1809, Lord Byron, English Bards and Scotch Reviewers:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The hikers decided to turn back due to ____ weather conditions like heavy rain and strong winds.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The pilot was forced to land the plane due to ____ weather conditions.