In short, adverse tends to be used to describe effects, conditions, and results; while averse refers to feelings and inclinations.

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 an adjective …

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.

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

Definition of adverse adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

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 direction: …

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.

Jan 14, 2026 · 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 someone's …

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 refers to something that is harmful, unfavorable, detrimental, or opposed to one's interests. It is often used to describe conditions, effects, or situations that hinder progress or create negative …