The meaning of ADVERSE is acting against or in a contrary direction : hostile. How to use adverse in a sentence.

ADVERSE meaning: 1. having a negative or harmful effect on something: 2. having a negative or harmful effect on…. Learn more.

If it's adverse, it's working against you — like adverse weather conditions or the adverse effects of eating too much sugar. Coming from the Latin adversus meaning "turned against," adverse is …

negative and unpleasant; not likely to produce a good result. Lack of money will have an adverse effect on our research programme. They have attracted strong adverse criticism. This drug is …

Adverse decisions, conditions, or effects are unfavorable to you. The police said Mr. Hadfield's decision would have no adverse effect on the progress of the investigation.

1. Acting or serving to oppose; antagonistic: adverse criticism. 2. Contrary to one's interests or welfare; harmful or unfavorable: adverse circumstances. 3. Moving in an opposite or opposing …

Nov 1, 2025 · Adverse is sometimes confused with averse, though the meanings are somewhat different. Adverse most often refers to things, denoting something that is in opposition to …

Factsheet What does the word adverse mean? There are six meanings listed in OED's entry for the word adverse. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Adverse is seldom used of people but rather of effects or events, and it usually conveys a sense of hostility or harmfulness: adverse reviews; adverse winds; adverse trends in the economy.

Contrary to one's interests or welfare; harmful or unfavorable. Adverse circumstances.