adverse

Everyday

1. (formal) Adverse means bad, harmful or not helpful: "adverse weather" is bad weather that causes problems. tree →
2. An adverse effect or reaction is a harmful one, such as when a medicine makes someone ill. tree →

In the lessons

In formal and exam language, and on news and medicine leaflets, "adverse" replaces "bad". In science and health, "adverse reactions" are side effects. In everyday life, trains are delayed due to "adverse weather conditions". Phrases: adverse weather, adverse effect, adverse conditions, adverse reaction.

Examples

• The match was cancelled due to adverse weather. tree →
• Some people have an adverse reaction to peanuts. tree →
• Too much screen time can have adverse effects on sleep. tree →
• The climbers turned back in adverse conditions. tree →
• The medicine leaflet lists possible adverse effects. tree →
• The plan had no adverse results. tree →
• In this ship, with his few remaining followers, Odysseus now set sail, but was driven by adverse winds to an island called AEaea. tree →

Note

Formal. Noun: adversity (hard times). Do not confuse adverse (harmful) with averse ("averse to" = not liking: "I'm not averse to cake"). Adverse is used about things, not people.