inimical

adjective

in·​im·​i·​cal i-ˈni-mi-kəl 

1

: being adverse often by reason of hostility or malevolence

forces inimical to democracy

2

a

: having the disposition of an enemy : hostile

inimical factions

b

: reflecting or indicating hostility : unfriendly

his father's inimical glare

inimically

i-ˈni-mi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Did you know?

In inimical, one finds both a friend and an enemy. The word descends from Latin inimicus, which combines amicus, meaning "friend," with the negative prefix in-, meaning "not." In current English, inimical rarely describes a person, however. Instead, it is generally used to describe forces, concepts, or situations that are in some way harmful or hostile. For example, high inflation may be called "inimical" to economic growth. Inimicus is also an ancestor of enemy, whereas amicus gave English the much more congenial amicable (meaning "friendly" or "peaceful") and amiable (meaning "agreeable" or "friendly").

Synonyms

• hostile
• negative

Examples of inimical in a Sentence

received an inimical response rather than the anticipated support

laws designed to enhance national security that some regard as inimical to cherished freedoms

Recent Examples on the Web

Or reform of a tax system that is complex, regressive, and inimical to growth. —Anand Menon, Time, 18 Oct. 2025

The spiral of silence therefore becomes inimical to pluralistic debate, discussion and, ultimately, to democracy itself. —James L. Gibson, The Conversation, 26 June 2025

The partnership model’s annual distribution of funds is inimical to long-term investment. —Mark A. Cohen, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

Monk previously pleaded guilty to one gross misdemeanor count of driving after cancellation after being deemed inimical to the public safety. —Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin inimicalis, from Latin inimicus enemy — more at enemy

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

inimical

adjective

in·​im·​i·​cal in-ˈim-i-kəl 

1

: not friendly : hostile

2

: having a harmful effect

habits inimical to health