Inauspicious

/ˌɪn.əˈspɪʃ.əs/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Not conducive to success; unpromising or unfortunate.
The inauspicious start to the season left fans worried about the team's future.
Having bad omens or signals.
The dark clouds and thunder on the wedding day were seen as an inauspicious sign.
Characterized by misfortune or adversity.
His inauspicious remarks during the meeting caused a significant drop in team morale.
Believed to bring bad luck.
Starting a new venture on a Friday the 13th felt particularly inauspicious to many.

Etymology

Late Latin *inauspiciosus* from in- 'not' + auspiciosus 'auspicious'

Common Phrases and Expressions

inauspicious start
A beginning that suggests failure or bad outcomes.
inauspicious signs
Indications that something may not go well.
an inauspicious year
A year that lacks good fortune or success.

Related Words

auspicious
Conducive to success; favorable.
inauspice
An omen or sign indicating a negative outcome.

Slang Meanings

Bad vibes
That movie had bad vibes from the very beginning.
Sketchy start
Their sketchy start made everyone doubt the project would succeed.