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

Spain came into the 2026 tournament with a top-three FIFA ranking and dreams of bringing another trophy back to the Iberian Peninsula, but their quest for a world title got off to an inauspicious start. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026

Ohtani’s seventh inning got off to an inauspicious start. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026

The injury, identified at the time as a right hamstring spasm, came at a particularly inauspicious moment, with Perez in the midst of one of his best starts in the season, with nine strikeouts in four scoreless innings. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026

Happily, from such inauspicious beginnings, the end-of-season promotion deciders have evolved into a cherished, if rather anxiety-inducing, climax to the domestic season. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 23 May 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