despite adversity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "despite adversity" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to express the idea of facing challenges or difficult circumstances but still managing to persevere or succeed. Example: Despite adversity, she refused to give up on her dreams and worked tirelessly to achieve her goals.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Despite adversity, faith and family remain strong.

The New York Times

This edition of Carolina basketball has won despite adversity.

The New York Times - Sports

Here, despite adversity, there is the comedy of manners, embarrassment and adolescent romance.

The Guardian - Film

We like people who stand up for what they believe in despite adversity, which could lead a lot of people to support one of the three underdogs".

The New York Times

The amalgam that is the museum and hall of fame took eight years to perfect, yielding another tale of cowgirls holding on despite adversity and some bucking from males of the two-legged variety.

The New York Times - Style

They see themselves as an example of how township musicians can thrive despite adversity – in Max's case, his legs were paralysed when he was shot during a gun battle between gangs.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Despite the adversity, Ms. Maxwell tries to stay positive for her children.

The New York Times

Despite such adversity, in 1977 he was awarded a scholarship to study English at Queens Collegee, Cambridge.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Despite this adversity, he later said, he saw a world wide in scope, rich in opportunity and defined by individual success.

The New York Times

Days later, a lawyer acting for her said, she resolved to "continue her fight to uncover the truth about her husband's death, despite mounting adversity".

The New York Times

During these extraordinary times, we find particular assurance from our Thanksgiving tradition, which reminds us that we, as a people and individually, always have reason to hope and trust in God, despite great adversity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "despite adversity", ensure that the sentence clearly demonstrates the positive outcome or perseverance achieved in the face of those challenges. It should be clear what was accomplished or maintained.

Common error

Avoid using "despite adversity" when the challenges faced are minor or insignificant. The phrase implies a significant level of difficulty or hardship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "despite adversity" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that something occurs or is true even though there are significant difficulties or challenges. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "despite adversity" is a prepositional phrase used to highlight resilience and success in challenging situations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse fields, including news, science, and formal business contexts. While largely interchangeable with "in spite of adversity", it's crucial to reserve it for situations involving significant challenges rather than minor inconveniences. Utilizing this phrase effectively involves showcasing a clear positive outcome achieved amidst hardship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in spite of obstacles

Highlights overcoming specific barriers or impediments.

in the face of hardship

Emphasizes the presence of difficult conditions being confronted.

against all odds

Conveys a sense of improbability and unexpected success.

rising above misfortune

Highlights triumph and elevation over unfortunate events.

notwithstanding challenges

Highlights that challenges exist but do not prevent progress.

under difficult circumstances

Points out the challenging environment in which something occurs.

even with difficulties

Focuses on the presence of problems while still achieving results.

withstanding setbacks

Emphasizes the ability to resist and recover from negative events.

through thick and thin

Suggests enduring loyalty and perseverance through good times and bad.

navigating troubled waters

Uses a metaphor to describe dealing with problems and difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "despite adversity" in a sentence?

Use "despite adversity" to show how someone or something succeeds or persists even when facing significant challenges. For example, "Despite adversity, she completed her degree and started a successful business".

What are some alternatives to saying "despite adversity"?

You can use alternatives such as "in the face of hardship", "in spite of obstacles", or "against all odds" to express a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "despite adversity" or "in spite of adversity"?

"Despite adversity" and "in spite of adversity" are largely interchangeable and have the same meaning. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

Can "despite adversity" be used to describe minor inconveniences?

No, "despite adversity" should be reserved for situations involving considerable hardship, challenges, or setbacks. Using it for minor inconveniences would be an overstatement.