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

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

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.

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 …

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 …

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

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.

Adverse most commonly means unfavorable or hostile, as in adverse conditions, adverse weather, or adverse criticism. Averse means strongly opposed to or having a feeling of strong …