Synonyms of vicissitude

vicissitude

noun

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.

Related Words

• ordeal
• gauntlet
• misfortune
• privation
• trial
• tragedy
• challenge
• trouble
• adversity
• difficulty
• woe
• initiation
• hardship
• crucible
• tribulation
• mishap
• fire
• complication
• mischance
• misadventure
• affliction
• asperity
• cross
• baptism
• grief
• litmus test
• inconvenience
• discomfort
• grievance
• acid test
• rigor
• nuisance
• annoyance

Example Sentences

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

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