Adversity 是一个在形式上容易与 diversity （差异、不同点；多样性、多样化）容易混淆的单词，该词与英语单词 adverse （不利的、有害的、反面的）同源，都是源自拉丁语adversus（反对、敌对）。13世纪经古法语adversite, aversite（逆境、灾难、不幸）进入英语后， adversity 也是指“困境、逆境、厄运”以及经济方面的“窘境”，常用作正式用语指一种严峻且持续的不幸状态，语气较强，

比如：

She was always cheerful in adversity. But her lust for power estranged her from her colleagues.身处逆境时，她从不垂头丧气。但她对权力的贪恋使她与同事们疏远了。

Their country was teetering on the brink of civil war. They had to struggle against all kinds of adversity.他们的国家正处在内战的边缘。他们不得不同一切困境做斗争。

He lurched from one bad relationship to another and overcame many personal adversities.除了表示不幸状态以外， adversity 也可以用来表示具体的不幸事例，这时常用复数 adversities 表达 “灾祸、苦难、不幸经历”，比如：他情路坎坷，并克服了多次个人不幸。

The Chinese nation is a great nation; it has been through hardships and adversity but remains indomitable. The Chinese people are a great people; they are industrious and brave; and they never pause in the pursuit of progress. The Communist Party of China is a great party; it has the courage to fight and the mettle to win.权威用例中华民族是历经磨难、不屈不挠的伟大民族，中国人民是勤劳勇敢、自强不息的伟大人民，中国共产党是敢于斗争、敢于胜利的伟大政党。

出自十九大报告（双语全文）

distress: difficulty caused by lack of money misfortune: an unfortunate condition or event mishap: an unlucky accident同近义词