adverse fortune

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adverse fortune" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is unfavorable or unfortunate, often in a literary or formal context. Example: "Despite his efforts, he found himself facing adverse fortune at every turn, leading to a series of setbacks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He said that his fortune should be left for old people who had once been in good circumstances but "by reason of adverse fortune have become poor and dependent".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

"If so, this could explain both the adverse trends in aggregate productivity and the fortunes of less-skilled Americans over the last decades".

The New York Times

The adverse reaction from eurosceptics to the deal could further boost the fortunes of eurosceptic MPs in in the next survey, due this time next month.

Independent

Adverse publicity?

The New Yorker

No adverse food comment.

The New Yorker

"Adverse outcomes?" Spears asks.

The New Yorker

Take Fortune Brands.

The New York Times

Fortune smiled all week.

The New York Times

It was a fortune.

The New Yorker

"Giant killer," said Fortune.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "adverse fortune", consider the formality of your context; it's most suitable for literary or formal writing. For more casual conversation, "bad luck" or "unfortunate circumstances" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "adverse fortune" in everyday conversation. This phrase carries a certain weight and formality that can sound stilted or unnatural in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adverse fortune" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition to describe a state of unfortunate circumstances. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adverse fortune" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe unfavorable circumstances. While considered correct by Ludwig AI, its frequency is rare, appearing mostly in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts. It carries a formal tone, making it suitable for literary and formal writing but less appropriate for casual conversation. Alternative phrases like "bad luck" or "unfavorable circumstances" can be used in more informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

misfortune

A general term for bad luck or adversity.

bad luck

A more common and informal way to express misfortune.

unfavorable circumstances

Focuses on the conditions leading to misfortune rather than the misfortune itself.

ill fate

Emphasizes destiny or predetermination in the misfortune.

unhappy fate

Similar to 'ill fate' but with a stronger emotional tone.

unlucky break

Implies a specific instance of bad luck that interrupts progress.

tragic circumstances

Implies a more severe and devastating form of misfortune.

tough luck

An informal expression indicating that someone must accept their misfortune.

hard times

Focuses on a period of difficulty and hardship.

setback

Highlights an event that delays or reverses progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "adverse fortune" to describe unfortunate or unfavorable circumstances, such as, "Despite his skills, he faced "adverse fortune" in his career."

What is a more common synonym for "adverse fortune"?

A more common synonym for "adverse fortune" is "bad luck". While "adverse fortune" has a formal tone, "bad luck" is more casual.

Is it correct to say "a adverse fortune"?

No, it is not correct. "Adverse" begins with a vowel sound, so the correct article is "an". However, "adverse fortune" is typically used as a general concept rather than a countable noun, so it's best to omit the article altogether.

What's the difference between "adverse fortune" and "misfortune"?

"Misfortune" is a general term for bad luck. "Adverse fortune" specifically refers to negative or unfavorable conditions influencing one's luck or destiny.