Adversity

Adversity (N.) – a difficult situation or condition : misfortune or tragedy

Synonyms: ill, knock, misadventure, mischance, misfortune, mishap, tragedy

Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adversity#synonyms 

Article: Linley, P. Alex, and Stephen Joseph. “Positive change following trauma and adversity: A review.” Journal of traumatic stress: official publication of the international society for traumatic stress studies 17.1 (2004): 11-21. 

Quote from article: “Abstract Empirical studies (n= 39) that documented positive change following trauma and adversity (eg, posttraumatic growth, stress‐related growth, perceived benefit, thriving; collectively described as adversarial growth) were reviewed.”

My thoughts/interpretation: You have to deal/overcome with adversity to achieve greatness.