What does inauspiciously mean?
Inauspiciously is an adverb meaning in a manner that is unfavorable, unlucky, or associated with the prospect of failure. It often describes the beginning or development of an event whose prospects appear poor, as in saying that a project started inauspiciously. The adverb conveys more than a simple description of bad luck: it can suggest that circumstances are ominous, that a venture has begun under difficult conditions, or that later difficulties were foreseeable. It is common in formal writing, journalism, historical narrative, and literary contexts, while less formal speech usually prefers 'unluckily' or a direct description. The word belongs to the same Latin-rooted family as 'auspicious,' 'auspice,' and 'auspices,' all connected with signs or omens. Its distinctive value is that it can describe not only an unfortunate event but also the atmosphere or prospects surrounding one.
adverbIn an inauspicious manner, especially in a way that suggests bad luck or an unfavorable outcome.
- In a way that is unlucky, unfavorable, or suggestive of a poor outcome.
"The project began inauspiciously when its main sponsor withdrew before the launch."
"The storm arrived inauspiciously, delaying the expedition by several days."
"Her first interview went inauspiciously, but she was invited back for a second round."
The word inauspiciously belongs to a family of English words rooted in the Latin practice of reading omens from bird flight.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of inauspiciously
The word comes from the Latin adjective inauspiciousus, meaning 'unfavorable' or 'not under good omens.' It was formed from the prefix in-, meaning 'not,' and auspiciousus, derived from auspices, signs interpreted as omens. The English adjective 'inauspicious' developed from this Latin source, and the adverb 'inauspiciously' was formed later by adding the standard adverbial suffix -ly.
How inauspiciously is actually used
It is formal and somewhat literary. In everyday speech, 'unluckily' or 'badly' is often more natural.
Easily confused with inauspiciously
Auspiciously indicates that something is favorable or fortunate, whereas inauspiciously indicates that it is unfavorable or associated with bad luck.