English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

adversity

ad-VUR-sih-tee
noun
1
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

Word Forms

adversities plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “adversity” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

She showed real strength in the face of _____.

Etymology

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

Rhymes for adversity

See all rhymes for adversity →
Definitions: FreeDict original editorial