Adverse vs Averse: What’s the Difference Between These Two Words?

If you want to know the difference between adverse and averse, then you’re in the right place. They are some of the most confusing English words. Keep on reading for the key differences between these two words, adverse vs averse, along with how and when to use them.

Difference Between Averse and Adverse

Both of these words indicate opposition and sound similar. That’s why adverse vs averse can be a bit confusing, even for Native English speakers.

Averse vs Adverse: Pronunciation Difference

Listen for the “d” sound to distinguish between the two words. Most people pronounce the d quite clearly in adverse.

You can also listen for where the syllable stress is placed: ad-verse has the first syllable stressed, and the second is soft/weak. It’s the opposite for averse—the stress is on the second syllable.

Adverse: Definition, Examples, and Usage

adverse: An adjective that usually relates to things and means harmful or unfavourable. “Adversity” is the noun form.

Examples: 

• Approving this development will have an adverse impact on the animals that live there.
• People are going to have an adverse reaction to him keeping his job. We need to fire him, I think.
• You may have some adverse side effects with this medication.
• I overcame a lot of adversity to finally finish college.

Not correct: 

My son is strongly adverse to cleaning his room.

Adversely affect Meaning

The meaning of adversely affect is a negative or harmful affect.

Averse: Definition, Examples and Usage

averse: An adjective that usually applies to people and means a feeling or distaste or dislike. “Aversion” is the noun form.

Examples: 

• My son is averse to eating vegetables of any kind.
• I’m not averse to hiring another person, but you’ll have to show me how the numbers can work.
• I think my kids are averse to doing the dishes. I have to threaten them to do it.
• I have a strong aversion to doing laundry!

Not correct: 

Approving this project will have an averse impact on the environment.

Risk Averse vs Risk Adverse

Between risk averse and risk adverse, “risk averse” is the right word choice. Risk aversion means the tendency to avoid risk. Risk-averse people (usually investors) will look for investment strategies that have low risks. For example, risk averse investor will choose to save money in his or her bank account rather than buy stocks, which are known to be high-risk and high-return.

Adverse and Averse Practice

1. Did you experience any _____ effects from the vaccine?
2. Honestly, I’m _____ to kids. It’s not my idea of fun to go on vacation with them.
3. I have an _____ to work.
4. My boss is _____ to people coming early and leaving early. We all stick to the 9-5.
5. I’m worried about the _____ impact that this will have on employee morale.
6. I experienced a lot of _____ when I decided to go back to work as a single mom. It was so difficult.

Answers

1. adverse
2. averse
3. aversion
4. averse
5. adverse
6. adversity

Speaking Practice for Adverse or Averse

After checking your fill-in-the-blank answers, try speaking each sentence to a friend. Or, record yourself speaking each sentence on your smartphone. Then listen and see if your pronunciation is clear and easy to understand.

Want to Find Out More?

You can find hundreds of confusing English words and word pairs in this book: Most Confusing Words in English Explained. Pick up a copy and ace your next TOEFL, TOEIC, or IELTS exam! Find out everything you need to know about it right here:

More Confusing English Words

access or excess

accept or except

advice or advise

affect or effect

already or all ready 

FAQs About Averse vs Adverse

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the difference between adverse and averse.

Is it risk averse or risk adverse?

The correct word choice is risk averse. A risk-averse person will try to avoid risk.

What does it mean if someone is averse?

If someone is averse to something, the person doesn’t like that thing. For example, if a student is averse to doing group assignments, it means that the student doesn’t like doing group assignments.

What is the best synonym for averse?

The best synonyms for averse:

• dislike
• unwilling
• hostile
• reluctant
• antagonistic

Adverse vs Averse: Join the Conversation

Do you have any tips or tricks for understanding and keeping track of the difference between these two words? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.

Last update on 2025-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API