Word Of The Day - Adversity

Enhancing your IELTS vocabulary with precise and academic words can significantly improve your Lexical Resource score. Today’s word, “adversity,” is especially useful when discussing challenges, setbacks, or resilience. Using this word in IELTS Writing and Speaking helps you describe difficulties, personal experiences, or societal issues clearly and formally.

Meaning of Adversity

Noun: A situation in which you face a large number of problems, often caused by bad luck.

Adversity is highly effective in IELTS when discussing personal struggles, career challenges, social issues, or historical events. It demonstrates the ability to use formal, descriptive language when narrating experiences or giving examples.

Origin and History of the Word

The word adversity comes from the Latin adversitas, meaning “opposition” or “misfortune.” Historically, it referred to unfavorable conditions or situations. Today, it is widely used in both spoken and written English to describe challenges, difficulties, or hardships.

How to Use “Adversity” in IELTS Speaking & Writing

“Adversity” is suitable for topics involving:

• Personal challenges or achievements
• Overcoming obstacles in education or career
• Social or economic difficulties
• Historical events or natural disasters

Using adversity demonstrates the ability to formally describe difficulties and resilience, which is essential for higher band scores in IELTS.

Examples of “Adversity” in Context

IELTS Writing Task 2:
“She has overcome countless adversities and setbacks before becoming a famous person.”
“Communities often face adversity during natural disasters, requiring resilience and cooperation.”

IELTS Speaking:
“Peter shows his courage in the face of adversity, which makes people admire him.”
“Many successful entrepreneurs overcame adversity before achieving their goals.”

IELTS Tip

When describing challenges or difficulties in IELTS Writing Task 2 or Speaking Part 2/3, adversity is a formal, high-level alternative to simpler words like problems, difficulties, or challenges.

For example: Instead of saying: “He faced many problems,”
You can say: “He faced many adversities but remained determined to succeed.”

Synonyms for “Adversity”

• Misfortune
• Affliction
• Hardship
• Setback
• Challenge

Antonyms for “Adversity”

• Prosperity
• Success
• Advantage
• Fortune
• Ease

Sample IELTS Speaking Answer Using “Adversity”

Use in: IELTS Speaking Part 2/3 – Discussing experiences or challenges

Question: Can you describe a time when you faced difficulties?

Answer:
“I experienced significant adversity when I was preparing for my final exams while working part-time. Despite the challenges, I remained focused and developed a strict study schedule. Overcoming this adversity taught me discipline and time management, which have been invaluable in my career.”

Sample IELTS Writing Sentence Using “Adversity”

Use in: IELTS Writing Task 2 – Discussing personal or societal challenges

“Many communities around the world continue to face economic adversity, yet initiatives promoting education and healthcare have helped improve living standards.”

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks with adversity or its synonyms:

1. She showed remarkable courage in the face of __________.
2. Entrepreneurs often overcome many __________ before achieving success.
3. Despite financial __________, the school managed to provide quality education.
4. His resilience helped him handle the unexpected __________ during the project.
5. Communities affected by natural disasters often demonstrate strength and perseverance in overcoming __________.

Answers:

1. adversity
2. setbacks
3. hardships
4. adversity
5. adversity

Incorporating the word adversity into your IELTS responses allows you to formally describe challenges, difficulties, or setbacks with clarity and sophistication. Whether discussing personal experiences, social issues, or historical events, this word adds precision and formality to your answers. Practicing adversity in multiple contexts will enhance your lexical range, fluency, and overall IELTS performance.