# averse

/əˈvɝs/ (US) · /ɐvˈɜːs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/averse
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

having a strong dislike for something or not wanting to do it.

For teachers: having a strong feeling of opposition or antipathy toward something. Used predicatively, typically following a linking verb.

## Examples

- He is not averse to hard work.
- The board of directors is generally averse to taking high risks with the company's pension fund.
- While some investors are entirely risk-averse, others are willing to tolerate significant volatility in exchange for the potential of higher long-term returns.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is averse from risk" but "He is averse to risk" — In modern English, 'averse' almost always takes the preposition 'to' rather than 'from'.

## Usage notes

- Typically follows a linking verb and takes the preposition 'to'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.