In short, adverse tends to be used to describe effects, conditions, and results; while averse refers to feelings and inclinations.

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

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

Sep 4, 2019 · Adverse, usually applied to things, often means "harmful" or "unfavorable" and is used in instances like "adverse effects from the medication." Averse usually applies to people …

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.