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vicissitude

English → EnglishliteraryInstant · from the shared dictionary
vicissitude

A vicissitude is a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant. The mental image is that of a rocky, unpredictable path where the terrain shifts beneath your feet, representing the natural, often challenging ups and downs inherent in life or a career. It is a formal, somewhat sophisticated term frequently used in literary or academic contexts. You will often see it used in the plural form, "vicissitudes," to describe the inevitable fluctuations or hardships that come with time or experience, such as "the vicissitudes of fortune" or "the vicissitudes of the market."

In conversation

Discussing a career change

Leaving the firm after ten years was difficult, but I’ve learned to accept the vicissitudes of corporate life.

Leaving the firm after ten years was difficult, but I’ve learned to accept the vicissitudes of corporate life.

I hear you. Nothing stays the same forever.

I hear you. Nothing stays the same forever.

Used here to describe the unpredictable nature of professional environments.

Reflecting on history

The empire eventually collapsed due to the vicissitudes of war and internal strife.

The empire eventually collapsed due to the vicissitudes of war and internal strife.

So it wasn't just one single event?

So it wasn't just one single event?

Used in a historical context to explain complex, changing conditions.

Examples

  1. She faced the vicissitudes of life with great courage.

    She faced the vicissitudes of life with great courage.

  2. The company struggled to survive the vicissitudes of the global economy.

    The company struggled to survive the vicissitudes of the global economy.

  3. He bore the vicissitudes of his long career with a stoic and unwavering grace.

    He bore the vicissitudes of his long career with a stoic and unwavering grace.

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