Word
adversely
Phoneticsad·verse·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/ædˈvɝsɫi/
UK/ædvˈɜːsli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that is negative or harmful. You use this when something has a bad effect on a situation or person.
adv. in a manner that is harmful, negative, or contrary to one's interests. Often used to describe how external factors impact a system, health, or financial status.
Examples
“The cold weather affected the crops adversely.”
“The new tax laws will adversely affect small businesses that rely on international shipping.”
“Economists worry that the sudden increase in interest rates will adversely impact consumer spending, potentially leading to a period of stagnant growth across the retail sector.”
Examples
simple
“The cold weather affected the crops adversely.”
contextual
“The new tax laws will adversely affect small businesses that rely on international shipping.”
complex
“Economists worry that the sudden increase in interest rates will adversely impact consumer spending, potentially leading to a period of stagnant growth across the retail sector.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “adversely” in context.
Verb
01. adversely affect
“The new tax laws could adversely affect small businesses across the country.”
adv + verb
Usage
Typically placed before the verb it modifies or at the end of the clause.
Pitfall
The news adversely affected to him.
The news adversely affected him.
Adversely is an adverb modifying the verb 'affect', which is transitive and does not take the preposition 'to'.
Real-World Examples
“This can adversely affect the quality of the plastic produced from them.” “Primary ciliary dyskinesia ( PCD ) is a genetic disorder that adversely affects the tiny hairlike structures that line the lungs, among other areas.” Etymology
From adverse + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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