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Definition of adverse

adverse

/ædˈvɜːrs/
ad · verse

Adverb:adversely
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adverse Lexical Profile

adverse Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Preventing success or development; harmful, unfavorable, or working against one's interests.

Example

"The flight was delayed for several hours due to adverse weather conditions."


2

Acting in an opposing direction or manner; hostile or antagonistic (especially in legal or formal contexts, as of an opposing party or witness).

Example

"The attorney requested permission from the judge to treat the uncooperative speaker as an adverse witness."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'adverse' (meaning unfavorable or harmful, usually describing conditions or effects) with 'averse' (meaning having a strong dislike of or opposition to something, usually describing a person's attitude and followed by 'to').

• Rhymes for adverse

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French 'avers', from Latin 'adversus' (turned against, hostile, unfavorable), the past participle of 'advertere', from 'ad-' (toward, against) and 'vertere' (to turn).

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Adverse. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/adverse
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