Vicissitude

/vɪˈsɪs.ɪ.ˌtjuːd/ noun hard

A vicissitude is one of the unpredictable ups and downs that life brings over time.

Through every vicissitude of war and famine, the old village managed somehow to survive.

Memory Trick

Vicissitude sounds like 'vices situated' along your path - the unexpected twists of fortune placed right in your way.