ENGLISH
REFERENCE

adversity

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ædˈvɝsɪˌti// UK //ædvˈəsɪti// ad·ver·si·ty

n. difficulties or problems that make life hard. You use this word to describe serious challenges, not just small annoyances.

n. serious difficulties or misfortunes that cause hardship. Abstract and uncountable in general usage; countable when referring to specific instances of trouble.


SIMPLE

She showed great strength in the face of adversity.

CONTEXTUAL

The company survived the economic downturn despite significant financial adversity.

COMPLEX

His early years were marked by severe adversity, including poverty and illness, yet he never lost his sense of hope.

Synonyms

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