ADVERSITY definition: 1. a difficult or unlucky situation or event: 2. a difficult or unlucky situation or event: 3. a…. Learn more. a difficult or unpleasant situation . He overcame many personal adversities. Definition of adversity noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. adversity definition : difficult or unpleasant situation. Check meanings, examples, usage tips, pronunciation, domains, and related words. Discover expressions like "in the face of adversity ", "in times of adversity ", "triumph over adversity ". Adversity is a state of hardship or affliction; misfortune; calamity. Learn the origin, synonyms, and usage of the word adversity , and see related expressions and proverbs.