Synonyms of adversity

adversity

noun

ad-ˈvər-sə-tē 

1

as in misfortune

bad luck or an example of this

many people came face-to-face with life-altering adversity when the stock market crashed

Synonyms & Similar Words

• misfortune
• tragedy
• hardship
• misery
• trouble
• disaster
• ill
• trial
• mishap
• catastrophe
• fate
• accident
• calamity
• misadventure
• knock
• circumstance
• sorrow
• suffering
• mischance
• tribulation
• defeat
• disappointment
• blow
• distress
• doom
• unhappiness
• woe
• evil
• curse
• failure
• setback
• destiny
• affliction
• cataclysm
• casualty
• portion
• letdown
• nonsuccess
• body blow
• fizzle
• lot

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• luck
• opportunity
• fortune
• success
• chance
• stroke
• strike
• break
• serendipity
• hit
• achievement
• accomplishment
• windfall
• fluke
• godsend

2

as in hardship

something that is a cause for suffering or special effort especially in the attainment of a goal

some overcame all the adversities of the Great Depression and rebuilt their fortunes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hardship
• difficulty
• obstacle
• hurdle
• hardness
• trial
• rigor
• asperity
• misfortune
• discomfort
• tribulation
• inconvenience
• tragedy
• nuisance
• interference
• obstruction
• embarrassment
• affliction
• impediment
• let
• hindrance
• mishap
• handicap
• inhibition
• rub
• knock
• deterrent
• snag
• encumbrance
• hitch
• chain
• shackle
• stop
• catch
• hump
• block
• pons asinorum
• crimp
• clog
• trammel
• bar
• manacle
• check
• fetter

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• opportunity
• advantage
• break

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

Recent Examples of adversity

This album reunites the Stones for a reminder that there’s no adversity that can’t be overcome if these former drug sommeliers are not only still vertical but formidable. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 10 July 2026

This expectation of a happily-ever-after despite any adversity ties into Barbara Fredrickson’s broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. — Katelyn Frey, The Conversation, 10 July 2026

On the balance of play Spain deserved the win but Belgium showed incredible resilience and bravery in adversity to push Spain to the very end. — Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 10 July 2026

There’s a thin, invisible line between adversity and suffering. — John Todd, Outdoor Life, 9 July 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!