adversity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "adversity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a difficulty or challenge that someone faces, for example: "The family faces many adversities, but they remain strong and resilient."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Film

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He pointed out that having founded the FN and "led it during a period of 40 years of constant adversity" he considered himself a good "locomotive" to head the local regional election campaign.

The Guardian

"Psychiatric care is becoming a consumer good in a society in which there is a low tolerance for frustration and adversity," said one Spain-based doctor whose identity has been verified but who wanted to remain anonymous.

The Guardian

There is a lot of talk about the vicissitudes of life, and being equanimous in the face of adversity, all of which I find rather quaint.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Paul Chamberlain is articulate, impossibly cheerful in the face of adversity and heroic – a Briton of the sort you might have thought would be seen no more after Lawrence Oates strode into the Antarctic snowstorm in an effort to save Scott and his other companions.

The Guardian

It's not a big budget film, and there is an aura of playful experimentation that seems to be sustaining the cast through the mud-spattered adversity.

The Guardian - Film

And although in a rare pre-election interview with the Brazilian women's magazine Claudia, she said, "We [women] are not a bunch of melted-butter [softies], incapable of facing up to adversity.

The Guardian

Yet Lee 34-2-1 34-2-1 34-2-1one-time protégé of Emanuel Steward blessed with power in both hands and a track record of rallying from adversity, showed why he's earned a reputation for in-ring escape jobs.

The Guardian - Sport

While all the talk this week has been of Bournemouth's rise to prominence from adversity, Rotherham have been on a similar journey, having also started the 2008-09 season in League Two with minus 17 points and under Steve Evans they have won back-to-back promotions and now secured their place in the second tier for another year.

The Guardian - Sport

If ever there was a case of adversity furnishing strength, this is it.

The Guardian - Film

It has been noted that the players themselves seem infantilised within this mob-handed structure, unresponsive in adversity, sporting instincts oddly blunted.

The Guardian - Sport

But arguably no greater match-winning innings has ever been born in such hopeless adversity.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "adversity", provide specific examples to illustrate the nature and scope of the challenges faced. This adds depth and credibility to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of "adversity" without providing sufficient context. Ensure your writing accurately reflects the severity and consequences of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The noun "adversity" functions as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes a state of misfortune or calamity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. Examples show it is often used to describe situations people or entities must overcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Film

10%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adversity" is a commonly used noun referring to difficult or unfavorable situations. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically sound and can be used across different registers, from neutral news reports to more formal academic writing. Its frequent use in news, sports, and business contexts highlights its relevance in describing challenges faced by individuals and organizations. When writing about "adversity", remember to provide specific examples and avoid overgeneralizations to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hardship

Focuses on the difficult conditions and suffering experienced.

misfortune

Emphasizes bad luck or unfavorable events.

calamity

Indicates a disastrous event or circumstance.

tribulation

Suggests a severe trial or suffering, often with a religious connotation.

setback

Highlights a delay or reversal in progress.

trials and tribulations

A more emphatic expression referring to experiences that test one's endurance.

difficulties

A broader term referring to challenges or problems.

challenges

Focuses on the stimulating and testing aspect of a difficult situation.

tough times

A more informal way of referring to a period of difficulty.

bad luck

Focuses on chance and negative outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "adversity" in a sentence?

You can use "adversity" to describe a difficult situation or condition. For instance, "The company overcame significant "adversity" to achieve record profits".

What are some alternatives to the word "adversity"?

Some alternatives to "adversity" include "hardship", "misfortune", or "difficulties", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "adversities"?

Yes, "adversities" is the plural form of "adversity" and can be used to refer to multiple instances of hardship or misfortune.

What is the difference between "adversity" and "challenge"?

"Adversity" typically implies a more negative and difficult situation than "challenge". A "challenge" can be stimulating and offer opportunities for growth, while "adversity" usually involves suffering or hardship.