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

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

negative and unpleasant; not likely to produce a good result. Lack of money will have an adverse effect on our research programme. They have attracted strong adverse criticism. This drug is known to …

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 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 dislike toward …

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 …

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