inauspicious

adjective

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
George Mason men’s basketball rebounded from the inauspicious start to the 2024–25 season by finishing the season 27–9, ending with a second-round NIT loss to Bradley. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 16 Apr. 2025 The ambitious Dodgers executive had an inauspicious upbringing. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025 Rising tuition, the crushing burden of student loans, and the inauspicious job offers some students receive upon graduation prompt the question, for good reasons, and fuel the arguments among those who think that forgoing college is the smarter financial decision. Judy D. Olian, TIME, 13 Mar. 2025 His verses evoke sacred rivers, fertile grounds and gardens bright with sinuous rills—a lyrical world beyond the inauspicious reality of its start-point. Natalie Hoberman, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inauspicious

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inauspicious was in 1592

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inauspicious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inauspicious. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on inauspicious

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!