unpropitious

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'unpropitious' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is unfavorable, unlucky, or inauspicious. Example: The unpropitious weather conditions made it difficult for the hikers to reach the summit.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Time and again in the book, Knausgaard displays a talent for experiencing the maximum shame in even the most unpropitious circumstances.

The Guardian - Books

Leigh Fermor lived to the full a charmed life packed with incident and adventure, despite its unpropitious beginnings.

The Economist

And yet, unpropitious as it might seem, the prisoners also fear that this may be their last chance to get out.Mr Warner says that if, with the president's views and legal background, Mr Obama "can't get this done, I don't know who could".

The Economist

It is all reminiscent of laboratory mice building nests in the most unpropitious surroundings.On top of all this, cubicle workers who feel that the walls are closing in on them are onto something.

The Economist

Notions of shopkeepers The other Moore's law Suspended animation Sources & acknowledgmentsReprintsAgainst that unpropitious background, three emerging-market giants face elections in the next two years: India, a parliamentary vote by May this year; Indonesia, congressional and presidential votes in mid-2009; and Brazil, a presidential election in October 2010.

The Economist

It may be that voters think women may restore lost integrity to politics: one recent poll found that respondents trusted bloggers, estate agents and actors more than politicians.But equally, it may be that male candidates stand aside when political circumstances are unpropitious (as they were for Ms Campbell).

The Economist

The circumstances of his selection in 1994 were unpropitious.

The Economist

An unpropitious setting for consumer choice, you might think; but patients needing elective treatment such as hip replacements will be able to choose among four or five hospitals by the end of next year and among any by 2008.

The Economist

The approach to the election had been unpropitious.

The Economist

Wolsey's attempt to reverse alliances at this unpropitious moment brought reprisals against the vital English cloth trade with the Netherlands and lost the advantages that alliance with the victor of Pavia might have had.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This can be seen as a moral and intellectual victory over unpropitious origins.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as "unpropitious", ensure the context clearly indicates why it is unfavorable or inauspicious. Provide specific details to support your assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "unpropitious" in very informal contexts. It's a more formal word and may sound out of place in casual conversation or writing.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "unpropitious" primarily functions to modify nouns, describing circumstances, conditions, or times that are unfavorable, inauspicious, or unlikely to lead to success. Ludwig illustrates the proper usage and grammatical correctness of the word in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unpropitious" is a formal adjective used to describe unfavorable or inauspicious situations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples demonstrating its use across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media, as well as encyclopedias. When using "unpropitious", ensure that the context clearly shows why a situation is unfavorable and avoid using it in very informal settings. Alternatives like "inauspicious" or "unfavorable" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inauspicious

Emphasizes the negative omen or ill-fated nature of a situation.

unfavorable

Highlights the lack of advantages or positive conditions.

ill-omened

Suggests that the situation is a sign of future misfortune.

untimely

Focuses on the poor timing or inappropriateness of the circumstances.

adverse

Indicates conditions that are working against success or progress.

unfortunate

Highlights the bad luck or regrettable nature of the circumstances.

ominous

Implies a threatening or foreboding atmosphere.

disadvantageous

Stresses the lack of advantages, creating a difficult situation.

ill-suited

Emphasizes the inappropriateness or unsuitability for a particular purpose.

contrary

Highlights the opposing or conflicting nature of the situation.

FAQs

How to use "unpropitious" in a sentence?

Use "unpropitious" to describe situations or conditions that are unfavorable or unlikely to lead to success. For example: "The "unpropitious weather" hampered their plans."

What can I say instead of "unpropitious"?

You can use alternatives like "inauspicious", "unfavorable", or "ill-omened" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "unpropitious circumstances" or "unpropitious situation"?

Both "unpropitious circumstances" and "unpropitious situation" are correct, but "circumstances" is often preferred when describing a complex set of factors.

What's the difference between "unpropitious" and "unfavorable"?

"Unpropitious" often implies a sense of ill omen or bad luck, while "unfavorable" simply means not conducive to success or positive outcomes. The former carries a slightly stronger negative connotation.