inauspicious

[ in-aw-spish-uhs ]

adjective

1. not auspicious; boding ill; ill-omened; unfavorable.

   Synonyms: unpropitious, unpromising, ill-timed

inauspicious

/ ˌɪnɔːˈspɪʃəs /

adjective

1. not auspicious; unlucky

Derived Forms

• ˌinausˈpiciousness, noun
• ˌinausˈpiciously, adverb

Other Words From

• inaus·picious·ly adverb
• inaus·picious·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inauspicious¹

First recorded in 1585–95; in- ³ + auspicious

Example Sentences

His successor will face the challenge that Africa’s best formula for peace and security lies in norm-based multilateral cooperation, but 2025 will be an inauspicious year for reviving that project.

From BBC

Wille, standing at 4ft 10in tall, was called to the stage, but it got off to an inauspicious start when she was too short to be able to reach the microphone.

From BBC

Despite his fine start, however, Fernandez’s side ended that term in inauspicious fashion.

From BBC

Sony is shutting down its newly launched “Concord” game on Friday, two weeks and a day after its inauspicious debut in a crowded shooter game field.

From Los Angeles Times

That inauspicious timing reveals the incredible stakes for the 2024 race: for American democracy, for the entire world’s climate and environment, and for the very hope of a habitable future.

From Slate