adjective
1.
acting against or in a contrary direction
hindered by adverse forces
Synonyms: antagonistic, anti, antipathetic, opposed, opposing, oppugnant
Related Word: contrary, counter, counteractive; hindering, impeding, obstructive; hostile, unfriendly
Contrasted words: coactive, collaborative, cooperative; adjuvant, synergistic; favorable, propitious
2.
being opposed to one's interests
an adverse balance of trade
Synonyms: detrimental, negative, unfavorable
Related Word: deleterious, harmful, hurtful, injurious; disadvantageous, prejudicial, unpropitious, unsatisfactory
Contrasted words: advantageous, favorable, positive, propitious, satisfactory