as in ordeal
a negative event or circumstance that is common to a particular setting or situation and is usually beyond one's control
The vicissitudes of medical school proved too much for the anxious student.
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Recent Examples of vicissitude
Their vicissitudes are both timely and for all time.
—
Peter Rainer,
Christian Science Monitor,
17 Dec. 2025
Whatever its reputation, the OIGC is still subject to the vicissitudes of other arts organizations.
—
Andrew Gilbert,
Mercury News,
1 Dec. 2025
By using non-actors who have endured the vicissitudes of the world, Laxe didn’t have to develop the characters in a conventional way.
—
Anne Thompson,
IndieWire,
12 Nov. 2025
Renaissance has prided itself on a debt-free history, despite the vicissitudes of performing arts fundraising.
—
Jim Higgins,
jsonline.com,
24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vicissitude
Peter Rainer,
Christian Science Monitor,
17 Dec. 2025
Whatever its reputation, the OIGC is still subject to the vicissitudes of other arts organizations.
—
Andrew Gilbert,
Mercury News,
1 Dec. 2025
By using non-actors who have endured the vicissitudes of the world, Laxe didn’t have to develop the characters in a conventional way.
—
Anne Thompson,
IndieWire,
12 Nov. 2025
Renaissance has prided itself on a debt-free history, despite the vicissitudes of performing arts fundraising.
—
Jim Higgins,
jsonline.com,
24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vicissitude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vicissitude
Noun
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According to the marine science center, Wilbur did not have identification tags, and, following the stressful ordeal, officials decided not to tag her.
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Engelmayer said Weinstein's medical ordeal was exacerbated by a case of pneumonia.
Noun
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The National Mall seems to be wrapped in a variety of fencing, some of it in place for construction reasons, some of it to create a security gantlet for the July 4 celebration.
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The operators who survive this structural gauntlet may find themselves on the other side of a very different landscape.
Noun
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For some reason, the Lions have long been plagued by misfortune on their defense, especially in the secondary.
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There’s Kimi Antonelli’s sudden rise, which so far seems to be one for the ages, while George Russell’s run of misfortune is certainly captivating.
Noun
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Still, the mesh grids spreading across Haiti's countryside prove that the country's energy story may transcend the privation.
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These are people who still carry within them memories of war, occupation, and stretches of extreme privation.
Cite this Entry
“Vicissitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vicissitude. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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