ill-omened

USAGE SUMMARY

'ill-omened' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that is typically used to describe something that is considered to be unlucky or inauspicious. For example, you could say, "The ill-omened storm clouds filled the horizon and made everyone feel uneasy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The very name Nimrod may strike some as ill-omened.

The New York Times

Ill-omened phases cause the program to trade smaller amounts and less often.

Independent

Thus, the long, complex and ill-omened pre-production financial dance finally ended.

The Guardian - Film

We are, one might suppose, in a pervert's paddock awaiting some ill-omened steeplechase.

The Guardian - Film

We're told we are the spawn of the devil: crippled, defective, clumsy, inept, doubtful, questionable, ill-omened, inauspicious and illegitimate – and that's only by the Oxford English Dictionary.

Independent

War is condemned but not entirely excluded: "Arms are ill-omened instruments," and the sage uses them only when he cannot do otherwise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Took ill.

The New Yorker

Feeling ill?

Independent

"Egypt is ill, very ill.

The Guardian

Jackie Robinson West/Chicago (Ill).

Encyclopedia Britannica

I am critically ill".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ill-omened" to add a sense of gravity and foreboding, especially when describing events or situations with potentially negative consequences. Avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

Common error

Don't use "ill-omened" for mild inconveniences. It suggests a significant and negative portent, not just a minor setback.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ill-omened" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns, describing them as portending bad luck or misfortune. Ludwig shows the adjective qualifying nouns like "dream", "birth", and "search".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ill-omened" is a useful adjective for conveying a sense of foreboding or bad luck. It is considered grammatically correct and is most commonly found in News & Media. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting its role in adding a layer of negative significance to described entities. While not overly formal, it's best suited for situations where a serious or slightly literary tone is appropriate. Be mindful of the intensity of the word and avoid applying it to trivial situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ominous

Emphasizes the threatening or menacing nature of something.

inauspicious

Focuses more on the lack of favorable signs or prospects.

foreboding

Highlights a strong feeling that something bad is going to happen.

unpropitious

A more formal synonym for inauspicious or unfavorable.

unlucky

A more general term for experiencing bad fortune.

portentous

Emphasizes the significance of a sign or omen, often in a negative way.

doomed

Implies an inescapable and negative fate.

baleful

Highlights the harmful or destructive influence.

jinxed

Suggests a supernatural cause for bad luck.

unfavorable

A milder term indicating a lack of advantage or positivity.

FAQs

How to use "ill-omened" in a sentence?

"Ill-omened" is an adjective used to describe something that suggests bad luck or a negative outcome. For instance, "The black cat crossing her path was an ill-omened sign."

What can I say instead of "ill-omened"?

You can use alternatives like "ominous", "inauspicious", or "unlucky" depending on the context.

Is "ill-omened" formal or informal?

"Ill-omened" is neither strictly formal nor informal, but it leans towards a more literary or descriptive register and is suitable for both "neutral" and "professional" writing.

What's the difference between "ill-omened" and "ominous"?

While both suggest something bad is going to happen, "ill-omened" implies that something is a sign of bad luck, whereas "ominous" suggests a more immediate and threatening feeling.