1. [adj]  in an opposing direction; "adverse currents"; "a contrary wind"
2. [adj]  contrary to your interests or welfare; "adverse circumstances"; "made a place for themselves under the most untoward conditions"

ADVERSE is a 7 letter word that starts with A.

1. \Ad"verse\, a. [OE. advers, OF. avers, advers, fr. L.
   adversus, p. p. advertere to turn to. See {Advert}.]
   1. Acting against, or in a contrary direction; opposed;
      contrary; opposite; conflicting; as, adverse winds; an
      adverse party; a spirit adverse to distinctions of caste.
   2. Opposite. ``Calpe's adverse height.'' --Byron.
   3. In hostile opposition to; unfavorable; unpropitious;
      contrary to one's wishes; unfortunate; calamitous;
      afflictive; hurtful; as, adverse fates, adverse
      circumstances, things adverse.
            Happy were it for us all if we bore prosperity as
            well and wisely as we endure an adverse fortune.
                                                  --Southey.
   {Adverse possession} (Law), a possession of real property
      avowedly contrary to some claim of title in another
      person. --Abbott.
   Syn: Averse; reluctant; unwilling. See {Averse}.
   

2. \Ad*verse"\, v. t. [L. adversari: cf. OF. averser.]
   To oppose; to resist. [Obs.] --Gower.