Adversity Meaning
/ædˈvɜː.sɪ.ti/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe state of adverse conditions; state of misfortune or calamity.
nounAn event that is adverse; calamity.
Sentence Examples
We must learn to meet adversity gracefully.
She carries on smiling even in the face of adversity.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
Despite facing tremendous ____ after losing his job, he remained determined to succeed.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The athlete showed great strength in the face of significant ____.
Word Origin & History
From Old French adversité, from Latin adversitātem, the accusative singular of adversitās, from adversus, the perfect passive participle of advertō (“to turn toward”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The doctor loved the squire, loved him as his oldest friend; but he loved him ten times better as being in adversity than he could ever have done had things gone well at Greshansbury in his time."
— 1858, Anthony Trollope, Doctor Thorne, Read Books, published 2008, →ISBN, Chapter III, page 55:
"God approves all adversity. Not all adversity that the Christian encounters is due to sins in the Christian's life. Not all adversity is the fault of the Christian."
— 2007, Earl Crouch, “When Adversity Strikes”, in Do You Know?, PublishAmerica, →ISBN, page 60:
"These are the people who will overcome the adversity, chaos, and destruction of combat and defeat the enemy in war."
— 1998, Karel Montor et al., “Directing and Coordinating Operations”, in Karel Montor, editor, Naval Leadership: Voices of Experience, 2nd edition, Naval Institute Press, →ISBN, Efficient and Professional Conduct, page 278:
"Having “secret notice,” the writer of “True Remembrances” declares of the above complains, he retired into Munster, intending to proceed to England, to justify himself; but was detained there for want of money by the breaking out of rebellion. This adversity befell him in the autumn of 1598."
— 1859 September, “The Great Earl of Cork”, in The Dublin University Magazine: A Literary and Political Journal, volume LIV, Alex Thom & Sons, page 326:
"Every family is struck by adversity at one time or another. No matter how mature the patients are, regardless of the care an advantages they give their children, despite a desirable interactive love between family members, adversity will attack any family"
— 1977, Genevieve Burton, “Family Adversity and the Nurse”, in Interpersonal Relations: A Guide for Nurses, 4th edition, Routledge, published 1979, →ISBN, page 101:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Despite facing tremendous ____ after losing his job, he remained determined to succeed.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The athlete showed great strength in the face of significant ____.