Synonyms for

Adversity

Verb / æˈdvɜ:sɪˌti: / / ʌˈdvɜ:sɪti: / Another word for adversity — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Adversity means a difficult or unfortunate situation or condition.

Synonyms & similar words

hardship hardknocks hardship misfortune difficulty trouble problem challenge obstacle setback distress burden calamity disaster crisis trauma tribulation affliction hardship tragedy woe suffering

Synonyms by register

Formal

hardship misfortune tribulation calamity

Informal

trouble difficulty tough times bad luck

Literary

woe ordeal affliction

Antonyms

advantage benefit fortune good luck prosperity success ease

Common collocations

  • face adversity
  • overcome adversity
  • deal with adversity
  • experience adversity
  • in times of adversity
  • despite adversity
  • adversity strikes

Word family

noun adversity
adjective adverse

Usage note

Adversity refers to difficulties or misfortunes. Its adjective form, 'adverse', often describes conditions or effects that are unfavorable or harmful.

Example sentences

  1. She overcame great adversity to become a successful businesswoman.
  2. The team faced adversity when their star player got injured.
  3. Adversity often brings out the best in people.
  4. She handled the adversity with grace and dignity.
  5. The country faced a lot of adversity during the war.

Quotes

  • Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents which, in prosperous circumstances, would have lain dormant. - Horace
  • The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials. - Unknown
  • Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are. - Arthur Golden

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