inauspicious

adjective

in·​aus·​pi·​cious ˌi-ˌnȯ-ˈspi-shəs 

: not auspicious

an inauspicious start

inauspiciously adverb

inauspiciousness noun

Synonyms

• 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

As has been well documented, Amorim made an inauspicious start, beginning with a pair of 1-0 defeats — away to Louletano, then at home to Moura. —Mark Critchley, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2025

That change, officially, came in Week 4, and the timing was inauspicious. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 29 Sep. 2025

Potter, who was promoted in the offseason, had an inauspicious start to the 2025 campaign, a 34-7 season-opening loss to South Florida. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 16 Sep. 2025

Netflix made its inauspicious debut in the TV Movie category in 2016 with a nomination for A Very Murray Christmas. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1592, 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