Definition of adversitynext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun adversity differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of adversity are mischance, misfortune, and mishap. While all these words mean "adverse fortune or an instance of this," adversity applies to a state of grave or persistent misfortune.

had never experienced great adversity

When is it sensible to use mischance instead of adversity?

The words mischance and adversity are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mischance applies especially to a situation involving no more than slight inconvenience or minor annoyance.

took the wrong road by mischance

When might misfortune be a better fit than adversity?

The meanings of misfortune and adversity largely overlap; however, misfortune may apply to either the incident or conjunction of events that is the cause of an unhappy change of fortune or to the ensuing state of distress.

never lost hope even in the depths of misfortune

When can mishap be used instead of adversity?

The synonyms mishap and adversity are sometimes interchangeable, but mishap applies to an often trivial instance of bad luck.

the usual mishaps of a family vacation

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of adversity As the team prepares to host the Seattle Sounders on Sunday at BMO Stadium before a mandatory break for the World Cup, coach Marc Dos Santos shared his thoughts on the team’s adversity and goals for the future. Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026 But Cole overcame that initial adversity, getting Jonathan Aranda to fly out harmlessly, and then using a slick inside move to pick off Simpson. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 23 May 2026 WBecause while the Braves still looked like the superior team for most of the night, Miami no longer folds instantly when adversity arrives. Miami Herald, 22 May 2026 Through great adversity comes great opportunity. Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for adversity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversity
Noun
  • The rapid turnover is not simply the result of individual failings or political misfortune, although those have no doubt played a part.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 May 2026
  • Even with the Tigers’ grisly combination of injury misfortune and wretched play, their season is not yet over.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 26 May 2026
Noun
  • Yes, that includes hardship, but also, there's joy, beauty, and warmth.
    Max Darrow, CBS News, 26 May 2026
  • Outside the context of collective trauma, psychologists theorize that personal hardships can germinate into do-good behaviors later on, especially if the individual was the recipient of help during their struggle.
    Pauline Bartolone, NPR, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • Already, his story had begun to take on the grim pallor of tragedy.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 28 May 2026
  • Maternal mortality – the death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days of giving birth – is not a rare tragedy.
    Yenupini Joyce Adams, The Conversation, 27 May 2026
Noun
  • Pressure, expectations and the sheer quality of the opposition all contribute to the difficulty.
    Danielle Rossingh, New York Times, 27 May 2026
  • This difficulty carried over into the film.
    Ian Mackenzie, Literary Hub, 27 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adversity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversity. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

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