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

For a team whose 2025 season was derailed by relentless push-back of their interior line, the situation is unquestionably inauspicious. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026

While this is an inauspicious return for a high-profile series headlined by big stars, the 43% slide matches that of Running Point and is better than the 63% decline for The Four Seasons, both of which have been renewed for a third season. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 28 July 2026

In my line of work, there are few things as inauspicious as a plucky gal determined to make the best of a bad situation. — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026

The relationship between new Trail Blazers head coach Micah Nori and franchise icon Damian Lillard got off to an inauspicious start. — Jason Quick, New York Times, 26 June 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