Difficult or unpleasant situations, such as hardship, trouble, or misfortune. It often refers to ongoing challenges that test a person’s strength or character.
From Latin *adversitas* meaning “opposition, misfortune,” based on *adversus* “turned against.” It came into English through Old French *adversité*.
Adversity is the collection of all the things that feel ‘turned against’ you at once. Many stories and heroes are defined less by success than by how they respond when adversity piles up.
Adversity has been experienced differently across genders, with women often facing compounded obstacles such as legal exclusion, gender-based violence, and unpaid labor. However, the word itself is not inherently gendered.
When discussing adversity, recognize gendered patterns (e.g., barriers specific to women or men) without stereotyping any gender as naturally more resilient or more victimized. Use data and context to specify forms of adversity.
["hardship","difficulty","challenge"]
Women’s organizing against gendered adversity—such as campaigns for legal rights, safety, and economic independence—has transformed social and legal systems in many countries.
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