Widrigkeit

Widrigkeit is a German noun denoting adversity, opposition, or unfavorable conditions. It derives from the adjective widrig (“contrary, adverse”), itself related to the older element wider/wid(er) meaning “against,” combined with the nominalizing suffix -keit. The word is used to describe external obstacles, hostile circumstances or inherent contrariness that impede action or purpose.

In everyday language Widrigkeit commonly appears in expressions such as Widrigkeiten überwinden (to overcome adversities) and is used for a range of situations from difficult weather (Witterungswidrigkeiten) to personal or professional setbacks. In literary and journalistic contexts it often conveys a slightly formal or elevated tone when referring to hardships or resistance.

In technical or institutional discourse the term can denote conditions that frustrate aims or make execution difficult, for example adverse operational conditions or contradictory provisions in a plan. It is related to synonyms like Ungunst, Hindernis and Widerruf (in specific senses), and contrasted with terms denoting favor or ease, such as Gunst or Leichtigkeit.

Because Widrigkeit covers both material obstacles and abstract opposition, its precise meaning depends on context; it can emphasize severity, persistence, or simply the fact of being contrary. The word remains in regular use in German to characterize challenges that require effort or adaptation to be overcome.