adverse conditions

Meanings

1. 1nounplural

   Circumstances, especially weather or surroundings, that are difficult or harmful and make an activity harder or dangerous.

   Grammar: Plural; one situation is an adverse condition.

   Patterns

   • in adverse conditions
   • operate under adverse conditions

   The rescue team worked in adverse conditions, with snow and strong winds.

   Planes may be delayed because of adverse conditions at the airport.

   Crops struggle to grow in adverse conditions.

2. 2nounpluralbusiness

   Unfavorable situations in business, health or the economy that threaten success or well-being.

   Grammar: Often found with despite or under: the firm survived despite adverse conditions.

   Patterns

   • despite adverse conditions
   • withstand adverse conditions

   The company made a profit despite adverse conditions in the market.

   Patients should avoid adverse conditions such as extreme heat.

   Investors fear adverse conditions in the housing sector.

Word forms

Common combinations

in adverse conditions

The team played well in adverse conditions.

withstand adverse conditions

The tent was built to withstand adverse conditions.

adverse weather conditions

Adverse weather conditions closed the highway.

cope with adverse conditions

Farmers must cope with adverse conditions every year.

despite adverse conditions

Despite adverse conditions, the climbers reached the summit.

Synonyms and how they differ

harsh conditions

Harsh conditions stresses severity and discomfort, while adverse conditions sounds more formal and general.

unfavorable conditions

Unfavorable conditions is milder, simply not helpful, whereas adverse conditions suggests actual harm.

difficult circumstances

Difficult circumstances can apply to personal life, while adverse conditions often refers to physical or market conditions.

bad conditions

Bad conditions is everyday and vague, whereas adverse conditions suits reports and official notices.

Opposites

Word family

adverse adjective

harmful or unfavorable

adversely adverb

in a harmful way

adversity noun

hardship or misfortune

adversary noun

an opponent

Commonly confused: adverse conditions or averse?

Practice

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