Words / B2

ADV-urs/ˈædvɜːs/

Adverse means harmful or unhelpful, usually of conditions and effects: adverse weather, an adverse effect. Bad is everyday and broader; negative is a close cousin in reports. Adverse is slightly formal and rarely describes a person (that is hostile or unkind). Do not confuse it with averse (unwilling: averse to risk).

Meaning

Harmful or likely to cause problems.

Examples

• “The delay had an adverse effect on sales.”
• “The drug can have adverse effects on sleep.”
• “Adverse publicity forced the company to withdraw the advert.”

Good to know

adverse effect / weather / publicity. Formal for harmful. Contrast: averse to = unwilling. Everyday: bad / unhelpful.

Near in meaning

unfavourable

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