Inauspicious

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ɪˌnɔːˈspɪʃəs/

Definitions

• Not conducive to success; unfavorable or unlucky.
• Indicating or marked by bad luck, misfortune, or an omen of failure.

Usage Examples

• The dark clouds and stormy weather made the wedding day feel inauspicious.
• He believed the black cat crossing his path was an inauspicious sign.
• The inauspicious timing of the investment led to significant losses.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin *inauspiciosus* meaning "unlucky," from *in-* meaning "not" and *auspicio* meaning "auspice" or "omen." The word originally referred to unfavorable signs from birds, which were used in ancient times to predict the future.

Synonyms

• Unlucky
• Unfavorable
• Ominous
• Ill-omened
• Disastrous
• Unpropitious

Antonyms

• Fortunate
• Lucky
• Propitious
• Favorable
• Promising

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

US: /ɪˌnɔːˈspɪʃəs/ — UK: /ɪˌnɔːˈspɪʃəs/ — AU: /ɪˌnɔːˈspɪʃəs/

Historical Usage

The term "inauspicious" has been used for centuries to describe events or signs that predict bad luck or misfortune. It was originally associated with the reading of omens, particularly in Roman and Greek cultures, where the behavior of birds was thought to foretell the outcome of important events. The modern usage extends beyond omens to describe any event that is deemed unlucky or unpromising.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, inauspicious events or signs are believed to have a significant impact on future outcomes. For example, in certain parts of India, there are specific times deemed inauspicious for weddings or business transactions, based on astrological beliefs. Similarly, in Western cultures, events such as black cats crossing one’s path or breaking mirrors are considered inauspicious, symbolizing bad luck.

More Information

Inauspicious refers to anything that suggests bad luck, misfortune, or a negative outcome. Historically, the term was often tied to the concept of omens, which were signs interpreted by ancient civilizations to predict the future. In modern usage, "inauspicious" is used to describe events, circumstances, or even personalities that seem unlikely to bring about positive results. Whether it's an inauspicious start to a journey, a troubling omen before a big event, or an overall feeling of negativity surrounding a situation, the term conveys a sense of doom or an undesirable outcome.