adverse circumstance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adverse circumstance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is unfavorable or harmful, often in contexts such as legal, business, or personal challenges. Example: "The company faced several adverse circumstances that hindered its growth last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Up to that point, my understanding of the novel could be called traditional: there was a hero, a villain, some adverse circumstance and ultimately a triumph.

The Guardian - Books

My favorites were the ones in which young Victorian women were forced by adverse circumstance to have sex with swarthy highway robbers who were twice their age and had impeccable manners and great taste in jewels.

The New Yorker

At that time, I knew people who had middle-class jobs in the industry – studio musicians and what not – and after the decline of the music business we found that we were having to have constant fundraisers to help somebody afford some operation or deal with some other adverse circumstance.

The Guardian - Tech

We found that scenario 5 is the most adverse circumstance.

Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications

The shelf-life simulation used in the present study is considered an adverse circumstance that is not uncommon during import/export transportation of the product.

Applied Adhesion Science

But unifies the programmable component and the evolutionary algorithms hardware may the dynamic change hardware's structure adapt the adverse circumstance, resume the damage of the function, the adaptation for the duty change.

Procedia Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

In the present study, only the items assessing direct experience of maltreatment and adversities from the interpersonal and adverse circumstances subscales were used (response yes/no).

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

I was working under adverse circumstances.

The New York Times

Its revelations include: "Make a fortune under adverse circumstances".

The New York Times

"Younger people underestimate our ability to adapt to adverse circumstances".

The New York Times

Winning the championship under such adverse circumstances would be a great accomplishment.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adverse circumstance", ensure that the context clearly establishes the negative impact or challenge presented by the situation. This helps readers understand the severity and implications of the circumstance.

Common error

Avoid using "adverse circumstance" to describe minor inconveniences or trivial issues. Reserve it for situations that genuinely pose a significant challenge or negative impact to maintain credibility and avoid exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adverse circumstance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It is used to describe a situation characterized by difficulty, opposition, or negativity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a standard expression in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

45%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adverse circumstance" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, as validated by Ludwig AI. It describes an unfavorable or difficult situation and is found across various reputable sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and scientific publications. While "adverse circumstance" is considered less frequent, it is more common in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that it reflects a genuinely challenging or negative situation. Related phrases include "unfavorable condition" and "difficult situation". Avoid using it to describe minor inconveniences to maintain clarity and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfavorable circumstances

Uses a plural form to suggest a collection of conditions that are not beneficial.

unfavorable condition

Focuses on the negative aspect of the situation, emphasizing that it is not advantageous.

difficult situation

Highlights the challenging nature of the situation, suggesting it requires effort to overcome.

negative situation

Emphasizes the pessimistic or detrimental aspect of the circumstances.

unfortunate event

Focuses on the bad luck associated with the situation, implying it was not expected.

challenging situation

Stresses the demanding nature of the situation, implying it tests one's abilities.

setback

Indicates a hindrance or delay in progress due to an unfavorable event.

hardship

Points to a condition that causes suffering or difficulty.

tough break

An informal way of expressing an unfortunate or unlucky situation.

ill-fated situation

Emphasizes the doomed or destined-for-failure nature of the circumstance.

FAQs

What does "adverse circumstance" mean?

An "adverse circumstance" is a situation that is unfavorable, difficult, or harmful. It suggests a challenge or obstacle that must be overcome.

How can I use "adverse circumstance" in a sentence?

You can use "adverse circumstance" to describe situations in various contexts. For example: "Despite the "adverse circumstances", the company managed to increase its profits."

What are some alternatives to "adverse circumstance"?

Alternatives include "unfavorable condition", "difficult situation", or "negative situation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "adverse circumstance" formal or informal?

"Adverse circumstance" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts. It's less common in casual conversation.