withstand adversity

USAGE SUMMARY

'withstand adversity' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It means to remain strong and brave in the face of difficulty or misfortune. For example: 'She had the strength to withstand adversity and overcome her struggles.'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

How do they withstand adversity?

The New York Times - Sports

We'd like to make sure that they're sufficiently strong to withstand adversity in the tail.

The Economist

"It was a test of ability to withstand adversity," Mr. Brady said recently on his last night here before returning to his teaching duties at the Music Conservatory of Westchester in White Plains, N.Y.

The New York Times - Arts

If we turn our schools into Jeremy Bentham's Panopticon, where all is seen and little is allowed, "We risk raising kids who don't know how to solve problems on their own, withstand adversity or bounce back from the harsh trials life inevitably brings".

The New York Times - Books

But if we've actively prepared ourselves to withstand adversity, there is always a way to victory over suffering.

Huffington Post

These frustrations and ordeals are all tests to see if we have the inner strength and resilience to not only withstand adversity, but to use the pain to transform us into something bigger and better than we would otherwise be.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

UPDATED: Feb. 27, 2010/9PM (Chile local time) President Michelle Bachelet delivers a calming speech to the people of Chile, reassuring them that they are a strong and tested population that has withstood adversity before.

Huffington Post

The thinking man's front office — Levy is Harvard educated, Jauron went to Yale — began constructing a group that would withstand more adversity than anybody could imagine.

The New York Times - Sports

He withstood the adversity of a hurt hand against Bermane Stiverne, a certified contender, and whatever uncertainty was out there about his ability to take a punch now stands diminished.

The Guardian - Sport

Often these elders withstood tremendous adversity, and learned positive coping skills that set them apart from the rest.

Huffington Post

The altruism of the older children was apparently robust enough to withstand the challenge of adversity.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "withstand adversity" to convey a sense of resilience and strength when facing difficult or challenging situations. It emphasizes the ability to not be overcome by hardship.

Common error

While "withstand" implies resisting and enduring, "overcome" suggests successfully conquering a challenge. Ensure you're conveying resistance rather than complete victory when using "withstand adversity".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "withstand adversity" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating the action of enduring or resisting challenging situations. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with several examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "withstand adversity" is a grammatically sound and neutrally registered phrase used to convey the ability to endure and resist challenging situations. Ludwig AI confirms that its primary function is to highlight resilience and strength. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is recognized and appropriately employed across various contexts, especially in news, science and business. Alternative phrases such as "endure hardship" or "overcome challenges" can be used depending on the specific shade of meaning desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

endure hardship

Focuses on the act of bearing difficult conditions, omitting the direct implication of resistance.

overcome challenges

Emphasizes the act of successfully dealing with difficulties, rather than resisting them.

weather the storm

An idiomatic expression implying survival through a turbulent period, lacking the direct confrontation aspect.

persevere through difficulties

Highlights continued effort and persistence despite obstacles, subtly different from resistance.

remain resilient

Shifts the focus to the state of being able to recover quickly from difficulties, instead of actively resisting.

stand firm in the face of hardship

Emphasizes the unwavering stance taken when confronting challenges, adding a dimension of resolve.

cope with misfortune

Implies managing or dealing with unfavorable events, not necessarily resisting them.

brave the trials

Focuses on facing difficulties with courage, highlighting bravery rather than endurance.

bear up under pressure

Highlights the ability to maintain composure and function effectively when under stress, but omits the initial resistance.

hold out against suffering

Emphasizes maintaining resistance against pain or distress, subtly shifting the focus to a more personal experience.

FAQs

What does "withstand adversity" mean?

The phrase "withstand adversity" means to resist, endure, and not be overcome by difficult or challenging circumstances. It implies a strength and resilience in the face of hardship.

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

You can use "withstand adversity" to describe someone's ability to remain strong and resilient during tough times. For example: "She had the strength to "withstand adversity" and emerge stronger."

What are some synonyms for "withstand adversity"?

Some synonyms for "withstand adversity" include "endure hardship", "overcome challenges", and "weather the storm".

Is it better to say "withstand adversity" or "overcome adversity"?

The choice between "withstand adversity" and "overcome adversity" depends on the context. "Withstand" emphasizes resistance and endurance, while "overcome" implies successfully conquering the challenge.