First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
adverse
adjective ad·verse \ad-ˈvərs, ˈad-ˌ\
: bad or unfavorable : not good
Full Definition of ADVERSE
2
a : opposed to one's interests <an adverse verdict> <heard testimony adverse to their position>; especially : unfavorable <adverse criticism> b : causing harm : harmful <adverse drug effects>
3
archaic : opposite in position
— ad·verse·ly adverb
— ad·verse·ness noun
See adverse defined for English-language learners
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Examples of ADVERSE
- The Bankruptcy Code requires that debtor's counsel be disinterested and not have an interest adverse to the estate. —Lawyers Weekly USA, 4 Oct. 1999
- On more than one occasion his decrees provoked riots, and there were those who voiced adverse opinions on the Duke in public. —Alison Weir, The Princes in the Tower, 1992
- The plant tolerates adverse conditions … —Dave Dunn, Fine Gardening, January/February 1991
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Origin of ADVERSE
Middle English, from Anglo-French advers, from Latin adversus, past participle of advertere
Related to ADVERSE
- Synonyms
- counter, disadvantageous, hostile, inimical, negative, prejudicial, unfavorable, unfriendly, unsympathetic, untoward
- Antonyms
- advantageous, favorable, friendly, positive, supportive, sympathetic, well-disposed
ADVERSELY Defined for Kids
adverse
adjective ad·verse \ad-ˈvərs\
Definition of ADVERSE for Kids
1
: acting against or in an opposite direction <adverse winds>
2
: not helping or favoring <adverse circumstances>
— ad·verse·ly adverb <Bad weather adversely affected attendance at the fair.>
Learn More About ADVERSE
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