unpropitious
/'ʌnprə'piʃəs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not favorable or advantageous: Describing conditions, circumstances, or times that are not conducive to success or positive outcomes; marked by unfavorable signs or prospects.
- Inauspicious: Suggesting that future events are likely to be unsuccessful or problematic.
Usage
The adjective "unpropitious" is used to describe situations, moments, environments, or omens that are unfavorable. It is a formal term often found in analytical, literary, or descriptive contexts. It typically modifies nouns like "conditions," "circumstances," "time," "moment," or "signs."
Examples
- The dark clouds and sudden chill made for an unpropitious start to their outdoor wedding.
- He chose to launch his business during an unpropitious economic climate.
- The team's morale was low, creating an unpropitious atmosphere for the crucial negotiations.
Advanced Usage
- "unpropitious for": Used to indicate what specific activity or outcome is not favored by the conditions.
- The rocky soil was unpropitious for growing crops.
- "unpropitious to": Similar to "for," used in a slightly more formal or literary register.
- The king's illness created a mood unpropitious to celebrations.
Variants and Related Words
- Unpropitiously (adverb): In an unpropitious manner.
- The venture began unpropitiously, with several key partners withdrawing.
- Unpropitiousness (noun): The state or quality of being unpropitious.
- The general sensed the unpropitiousness of the terrain for a cavalry charge.
Synonyms
- Inauspicious: Not conducive to success; unpromising.
- Unfavorable: Not advantageous; discouraging.
- Adverse: Preventing success or development; harmful.
- Hostile: Unfriendly or opposed to one's interests.
Antonyms
- Propitious: Giving or indicating a good chance of success; favorable.
- Auspicious: Conducive to success; favorable.
- Favorable: Advantageous; helpful.
- Promising: Showing signs of future success.