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
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.
The film had an inauspicious start, McDonald recalled Saturday, during a career retrospective for the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Aug. 2026 The Aston Martin Formula 1 team has had an inauspicious run so far in 2026. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 20 Aug. 2026 In a second half filled with indictments on Imai’s inauspicious season, few seem more glaring than this. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026 For a team whose 2025 season was derailed by relentless push-back of their interior line, the situation is unquestionably inauspicious. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 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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