adverse
adjective B2
Plain meaning
harmful or negative
Exam-register meaning
unfavourable in effect, especially in reports about policies, health, or outcomes
In context
naturalThe medicine had no adverse effects on most patients.
examUnemployment can have adverse consequences for mental health and social stability.
Common collocations
adverse effectsadverse consequencesadverse conditions
Watch out
Use “adverse effects,” not “averse effects.” “Averse” means unwilling or opposed.
Word family
adverse (adjective)adversely (adverb)adversity (noun)