Adverse
/ˈædvɜrs/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Adverse describes something that works against you or causes harm or trouble. It is often used to talk about bad conditions, like weather, effects of medicine, or situations that make things harder or worse.
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See It in Action
Harmful or unfavorable conditions or effects
- •The hikers faced adverse weather during their trip.
- •The medicine had some adverse side effects.
- •Adverse economic conditions made it hard to find a job.
Opposing or working against something
- •The company took action to avoid adverse impacts on the environment.
- •Adverse reactions to the new policy were expected from some groups.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'adverse' like 'bad' or 'not good,' but more formal and often used for serious problems or conditions
- ✓Picture a strong storm with heavy rain and wind that makes traveling difficult and dangerous
- ✓It's the feeling when something unexpected makes your plans fail or causes discomfort
- ✓Sounds like 'ADD-vers' → imagine someone adding problems or difficulties to your day
- ✓Think of a story where a character faces many obstacles or bad luck that stops them from reaching their goal
- ✓NOT like 'friendly' or 'helpful,' but the opposite—something that works against you
- ✓NOT like 'neutral' or 'normal,' but clearly negative or harmful
- ✓NOT like 'small problem,' but something serious enough to cause trouble or danger
Try Other Words
- •Unfavorable: not good or helpful (Use when talking about conditions or situations that are not helpful or positive)
- •Harmful: causing damage or hurt (Use when the effect causes physical or emotional damage)
- •Negative: showing a bad or harmful effect (Use in general when something is not positive)
- •Detrimental: causing harm or damage (Use in formal or scientific contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: 'ad-' (toward, against) + 'verse' (from Latin 'vertere,' meaning to turn) → literally 'turned against'
- •Etymology: From Latin 'adversus,' meaning turned against or opposite
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 15th century to describe opposition or harmful situations
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in formal writing and speech to describe harmful effects, bad conditions, or opposition
Reflect & Connect
•Can something be both adverse and helpful at the same time? How would that work?
•How do people react differently to adverse situations in their lives?
Fill in the blanks
1.The ___ adverse weather forced the event to be canceled ___ because it was unsafe.
2.Taking the wrong medicine can cause ___ adverse side effects that make you feel worse.
3.Unlike good conditions, adverse situations ___ often require quick problem-solving or help.
4.The company worked hard to prevent ___ adverse effects on the environment caused by pollution.
5.When you face adverse circumstances, it is important to stay calm and ___ a solution.
6.Adverse reactions to a new policy usually come ___ groups that feel negatively affected.
7.The athlete trained harder to overcome the ___ adverse conditions during the competition.