Word
adverse
Meanings
Harmful or unfavorable; likely to cause damage, problems, or a negative outcome.
Opposed or hostile to someone or something; not supportive.
Definition
Adverse describes something that is harmful or likely to cause problems.
Adverse is used to talk about conditions or situations that create difficulties or cause harm. It often describes effects, reactions, or outcomes that are negative rather than helpful. In formal contexts, it commonly appears with words like effects, conditions, and impact.
Examples
- The researchers controlled for variables that could create adverse effects in the trial.
- I reconsidered my route after checking the forecast for adverse weather along the coast.
- She faced adverse comments online but kept her tone measured and professional.
- They postponed the outdoor concert because adverse conditions made the site unsafe.
- You should report any adverse reaction to the staff immediately so they can respond appropriately.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse adverse (harmful) with averse (unwilling or opposed), as in "averse to change."
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.