inauspicious

adjective

in·​aus·​pi·​cious ˌi-ˌnȯ-ˈspi-shəs How to pronounce inauspicious (audio)
Synonyms of inauspicious
: not auspicious
an inauspicious start
inauspiciously adverb
inauspiciousness noun

Synonyms of inauspicious

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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
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From that inauspicious start, Yoshida built YKK, the company that today produces roughly half the world’s zippers. — Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026 All these higher-than-high tides might feel like inauspicious one-offs, but this El Niño season should be considered practice for the future. — Rosanna Xia, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 One less-desirable line on the resume is presiding with Zaslav over the inauspicious rebrand of HBO Max to Max in 2023. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026 The Marlins’ fleeting, flickering hopes of a playoff berth grew dimmer Saturday when the Cubs beat them for the second day in a row, continuing an inauspicious start to an important nine-game homestand. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inauspicious

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inauspicious was in 1599

Rhymes for inauspicious

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Browse Nearby Words

inaugurator
inauspicious
inauspiciously
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Cite this Entry

“Inauspicious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inauspicious. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inauspicious

adjective
in·​aus·​pi·​cious ˌin-ȯ-ˈspish-əs How to pronounce inauspicious (audio)
: not auspicious : not looking good for future success
inauspiciously adverb
inauspiciousness noun
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