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 These stories are a celebration of modern families who have overcome adversity and paved their own paths. Parents Editors, Parents, 3 Mar. 2026 Kind of good to face some adversity while pitching. Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026 But Celebrini understands that adversity is part of the process. Loureen Ayyoub, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026 Seemingly, the circumstances surrounding the completion of Help(2) only deepened its meaning as a testament to resilience in the face of adversity and emotional hardship. Sophie Williams, Billboard, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adversity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adversity
Noun
  • But the big break for McRoberts came a few years later, thanks to another coach’s misfortune.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2026
  • During an eclipse, people would bang drums, shoot arrows, or create loud noises to scare the dragon away, as a red moon was seen as a sign of impending misfortune or celestial imbalance.
    Alan Bradley, Space.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In the fictional Squid Game, the competition appealed particularly to those facing deep financial hardship.
    Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Veterans typically must also submit financial information to demonstrate hardship during this process.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In 2021, 12-year-old Molly Steinsapir died after losing control of an e-bike on a steep hill in Pacific Palisades, a tragedy that led her parents to sue the manufacturer and brought new scrutiny to how e-bike companies market their products to families with children.
    Cierra Morgan March 4, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Though the other children recovered, Nicholas died several days later, a tragedy Dominici said will shape the rest of her life.
    Sheetal Banchariya, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Travelers are advised to check with their airline or travel agent as soon as possible for information on rebooking and refunds, though passengers are reporting difficulties getting assistance because of high caller volumes.
    Marnie Hunter, CNN Money, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Despite those difficulties, Kalhor has built a thriving career both inside Iran and abroad, including winning a Grammy Award as part of the Silkroad Ensemble and earning three nominations as a solo artist.
    Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 3 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adversity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adversity. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

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