Adverse: Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide

Meaning 1：harmful or unfavorable (adverse)

adverse 🔊

/ædˈvɜːrs/

adj.

It means something is not good, harmful, or makes it harder to succeed or be healthy.

Adverse health effect person feeling unwell on couch

harmful or unfavorable 🔊

➕

/ˈhɑːrmfəl ɔːr ʌnˈfeɪvərəbəl/

adj.

Describes something that causes harm, difficulty, or disadvantage, often in health, conditions, or outcomes.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'adversus' (turned against), from 'ad-' (toward) + 'vertere' (to turn).

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'adverse' = 'a d(anger) verse' – a dangerous situation you want to avoid.

📖 Example

The new medicine had some adverse effects, like making her feel dizzy and tired. 🔊 The new medicine had some adverse effects, like making her feel dizzy and tired.

🔗 Collocations

adverse effect – a harmful or unwanted result

adverse weather conditions – unfavorable weather that causes problems

adverse reaction – a negative response to a drug or substance

🔄 Synonyms

unfavorable (adj.) – not helpful or conducive to success

detrimental (adj.) – causing damage or harm

hostile (adj.) – unfriendly or opposed to something

🚫 Antonyms

favorable (adj.) – positive, helpful, or advantageous

beneficial (adj.) – producing good results or helpful effects

advantageous (adj.) – providing an advantage or benefit

🌱 Derivatives

adversely (adv.) – in a harmful or negative way

adversity (n.) – difficulties or misfortune

adversarial (adj.) – involving opposition or conflict

📖 Cultural Story

In legal and medical contexts, 'adverse' frequently appears in phrases like 'adverse reaction' or 'adverse possession,' reflecting its origin of opposition and harm.