least propitious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least propitious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is the least favorable or advantageous. Example: "The weather conditions were least propitious for a successful outdoor event, leading to its cancellation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Sadly, these opened for business in October 2008 the least propitious moment imaginable for such a venture.In this section Wild East or scientific feast?

The Economist

Now, at one of the least propitious moments in the history of New Orleans gastronomy — New Orleans everything, for that matter — Donald Link has set out to change all that with a new warehouse district restaurant called Cochon (French for pig).

The New York Times - Food

You may think this the least propitious moment to speak of finding a solution to the longstanding, bloody and highly contagious Arab-Israeli conflict.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Nor is the weather in Poland (drizzly and cold) particularly propitious, at least as far as PO is concerned.

The Economist

The political and economic climate of the Italian Renaissance was often unstable; Florence, however, did at least provide an intellectual and cultural environment that was extremely propitious for the development of art.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Though the Schoolhouse Foundation has been in the works for at least two years, it could hardly be getting under way at a more propitious time, it would seem.

The New York Times

And, as far as I could see, neither did anyone else, though most of us must have marched at least five miles back and forth in the hope of finding a more propitious station whereon to stab the air with our thumbs: futile Jack Horners were we.

The New Yorker

But the opening of the new galleries, less than two months after the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, comes at a time as propitious as the 2003 closing was unfortunate and holds the possibility at least of reshaping many Americans' views about the deep affinities between Western and Islamic art.

The New York Times - Arts

The timing was propitious.

The New York Times - Magazine

The timing looked propitious.

The New York Times

The timing is propitious.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "least propitious" when you want to emphasize that a particular moment or situation is the absolute worst or most unfavorable for something to occur. It adds a touch of formality and gravity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "least propitious" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound out of place and even pretentious in less serious contexts. Consider simpler alternatives like "worst time" or "bad moment" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least propitious" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifically describing a noun (often "time", "moment", or "occasion") to indicate it is the most unfavorable or inauspicious. Ludwig confirms that this is a valid and usable expression in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "least propitious" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase in English, as validated by Ludwig. It is primarily used to describe a moment or situation as being the most unfavorable or inauspicious. While not frequently encountered, its use is appropriate in formal writing, particularly in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI indicates its purpose is to strongly convey unsuitability. Remember to consider the formality of the situation and opt for simpler alternatives like "worst time" in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most unfavorable moment

Replaces "propitious" with "unfavorable" and "least" with "most", directly contrasting the original phrase.

most inauspicious time

Substitutes "propitious" with its direct antonym "inauspicious", maintaining the negative connotation.

worst possible timing

Rephrases the concept of favorability as "timing", emphasizing the negative aspect with "worst possible".

most unpromising opportunity

Uses "unpromising" to indicate a lack of favorable conditions, shifting the focus to "opportunity".

least fortunate occasion

Replaces "propitious" with "fortunate", highlighting the lack of luck or good fortune.

most disadvantageous situation

Focuses on the negative impact of the situation, using "disadvantageous" to convey unfavorability.

unluckiest point in time

Emphasizes the role of luck in the timing, suggesting the moment is particularly unfortunate.

most untimely juncture

Highlights the poor timing, using "untimely" to suggest inappropriateness or bad timing.

the worst moment to do something

Generalizes the phrase to describe the poorest time for an activity.

a bad time for something

Simplifies the expression to indicate an unfavorable or inappropriate time in a general sense.

FAQs

How can I use "least propitious" in a sentence?

You can use "least propitious" to describe a moment that is particularly unfavorable. For example, "Launching a new product during an economic recession could be the "most unfavorable moment"".

What are some alternatives to "least propitious"?

Alternatives include "most inauspicious time", "worst possible timing", or "most unfavorable moment". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it grammatically correct to say "least propitious"?

Yes, the phrase "least propitious" is grammatically correct. It uses "least" to modify the adjective "propitious", indicating the lowest degree of favorability.

In what situations is "least propitious" most appropriate?

The phrase "least propitious" is most appropriate in formal writing or speech when you want to emphasize the extreme unsuitability of a particular time or circumstance. It's often used in news, academic, or business contexts.