"Extreme adversity" refers to a very difficult or challenging situation that someone faces. It could mean going through intense hardships, obstacles, or struggles that are particularly tough to overcome. Full definition
A fine story and a great film that will endure as a classic portrayal of love, friendship, courage and sacrifice in the face of extreme adversity. (metacritic.com)
People's response to stressful experiences varies dramatically, but extreme adversity nearly always generates serious problems that require treatment. (gse.harvard.edu)
Here were people surviving under the most extreme adversity and behaving in a manner of extraordinary grace and dignity. (bookbrowse.com)