inauspicious

adjective

in·​aus·​pi·​cious ˌi-ˌnȯ-ˈspi-shəs How to pronounce inauspicious (audio)
: not auspicious
an inauspicious start
inauspiciously adverb
inauspiciousness noun

Examples of inauspicious in a Sentence

Despite its inauspicious beginnings, the company eventually became very profitable. this many problems so early in the project is a most inauspicious sign
Recent Examples on the Web Michigan football had an inauspicious start Monday against Alabama, and it was exacerbated by an early injury. Detroit Free Press, 1 Jan. 2024 Adding to these inauspicious distractions is the prospect of Donald Trump returning to the White House next year. Luke McGee, CNN, 22 Feb. 2024 Winkle’s later-life career change, a story dramatic in its details of risky business, sudden riches and an inauspicious demise, is just one colorful thread in the vast tapestry of the California marijuana black market that supplies much of America with high-grade, illicit pot. Peter Hecht, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2024 Unabashedly sporting the most inauspicious of titles, a three-hour running time and a logline that features terminally ill elders and self-destructive descendants, German feature Dying (Sterben) looks like a hard sell on paper. Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Feb. 2024 Then again, Porsche itself had a pretty inauspicious start. Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 2 Feb. 2024 Star Wars: The Clone Wars Maturing every successive season following its inauspicious 2008 pilot movie, The Clone Wars became a cinematic actioner as enjoyable for adult fans as its target youngling audience. Ew Staff, EW.com, 30 Oct. 2023 In his obituary, Christopher Knight relates the storied career of a figure whose inauspicious roots included early stints in the military and professional gambling. Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2023 The convoy had an inauspicious start; just 19 vehicles set out from Virginia on Monday, and within minutes some were lost. David Gilbert, WIRED, 2 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inauspicious.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inauspicious was in 1592

Dictionary Entries Near inauspicious

Cite this Entry

“Inauspicious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inauspicious. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inauspicious

adjective
in·​aus·​pi·​cious ˌin-ȯ-ˈspish-əs How to pronounce inauspicious (audio)
: not auspicious : not looking good for future success
inauspiciously adverb
inauspiciousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on inauspicious

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