Question

Choose the word which best expresses the meaning of the given word
                   ‘Adversity’
(a)Failure
(b)Helplessness
(c)Misfortune
(d)Crisis

Answer 1

Hint: We have to choose a word the meaning of which expresses the given word. The word is adversity. It is the noun of the word adverse which means to be unfavourable.

Complete answer: A Synonym is a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language, for example, shut is a synonym of close. We are supposed to find the synonym of ‘adversity’. Let’s look at the option:
(a)’Failure’(noun)- Failure can be defined as ‘lack of success’, the neglect or omission of expected or required action’ or ‘the action or state of not functioning.’It does not truly express the essence of the word adversity which stands for ‘unfavourable circumstances’ and hence, it is not the right answer.
(b)’ Helplessness’(noun)- Helplessness can be defined as ‘inability to defend oneself or to act effectively’ which does not match with the meaning of adversity and fails to express it. It is not always that people are helpless in unfavourable situations and hence, it is not the right answer.
(c)’Misfortune’(noun)-Misfortune can be defined as ‘bad luck’ or ‘an unfavourable condition or event’. Adversity refers to a very difficult situation. A person struck with misfortune will find himself in a very difficult situation. This is the required answer.
(d)’ Crisis’(noun)- Crisis can be defined as ‘a time of intense difficulty or danger’. A crisis refers to an unstable situation and can also be viewed as a turning point but adversity refers to some sort of calamity. This is not the right answer.

Note: There is a possibility of confusion between options c and d because of the similarity in their meanings. But in a crisis, there's a hope of getting relief but in adversity, it is more of a thing which has very little to no solution.