Vicissitude

Definition

A change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant.

Etymology

From Middle French vicissitude, from Latin vicissitūdō (“change”), from vicissim (“on the other hand, in turn”), from vicis (“change, vicissitude”), whence Portuguese vez and French fois (“time (as in "next time"), occurrence”).

Synonyms

ups and downs

In a sentence

The vicissitudes of startup life: euphoria one week, layoffs the next.