inauspicious

adjective

in·​aus·​pi·​cious ˌi-ˌnȯ-ˈspi-shəs 

: not auspicious

an inauspicious start

inauspiciously adverb

inauspiciousness noun

Synonyms of inauspicious

• ominous
• sinister
• menacing

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

Dabrowski had an inauspicious launch of his campaign in September, speaking for less than nine minutes in front of his home and taking no questions from reporters. —Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026

Still, Mpoyi’s swift emergence came amid a rather inauspicious beginning to his journey. —Diamond Leung, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026

After this inauspicious beginning, Rajabi handed over the dossier. —Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 1 Mar. 2026

Sunday’s border battle at Wisconsin began in an inauspicious manner for the Minnesota women’s basketball team. —Staff Report, Twin Cities, 16 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inauspicious

• supposititious
• adventitious
• cementitious
• expeditious
• injudicious
• meretricious
• repetitious
• superstitious
• surreptitious
• unambitious
• unpropitious
• unsuspicious

Kids Definition

inauspicious

adjective

in·​aus·​pi·​cious ˌin-ȯ-ˈspish-əs 

: not auspicious : not looking good for future success

inauspiciously adverb

inauspiciousness noun