vicissitude

vi·cis·si·tude

noun \və-ˈsi-sə-ˌtüd, vī-, -ˌtyüd\

Definition of VICISSITUDE

1

a : the quality or state of being changeable : mutability b : natural change or mutation visible in nature or in human affairs

2

a : a favorable or unfavorable event or situation that occurs by chance : a fluctuation of state or condition <the vicissitudes of daily life> b : a difficulty or hardship attendant on a way of life, a career, or a course of action and usually beyond one's control c : alternating change : succession

Origin of VICISSITUDE

Middle French, from Latin vicissitudo, from vicissim in turn, from vicis change, alternation — more at week

First Known Use: circa 1576

Rhymes with VICISSITUDE

beatitude, correctitude, decrepitude, disquietude, exactitude, inaptitude, incertitude, ineptitude, infinitude, ingratitude, inquietude, natural food, senectitude, similitude, solicitude