What does inclemency mean?
Inclemency is a formal noun for harsh, unpleasant conditions, especially the severity of weather or exposure to it. Rather than simply saying bad weather, a writer may evoke biting wind, driving rain, cold, or punishing heat and the discomfort such conditions impose. The word is typically uncountable in modern English and appears in literary, journalistic, and historical prose; its tone is more elevated than ordinary expressions such as bad weather. Although its central association is meteorological, it can also describe severe or hostile circumstances more generally. Inclemency is notable for its Latin-derived formation from inclemens, an opposite of clemens, and for the useful contrast it creates with clemency, meaning mildness or merciful treatment. A person subject to harsh weather may be described as exposed to its inclemency, while an ordeal may be characterized by its inclemency. The somewhat uncommon word suits formal descriptions of adversity and the elements.
nounThe quality of being harsh or severe, especially the severity of the weather or the difficult conditions caused by it.
- Harshness or severity, especially of the weather or difficult outdoor conditions.
"The fishermen ventured out despite the inclemency of the winter morning."
"Even the most experienced climbers postponed their ascent because of the inclemency of the weather."
"The memoir describes the inclemency of life in the settlement and the resilience of its inhabitants."
The plural is rare; the noun is normally used in the uncountable singular form.
"The expedition was tested by a series of severe inclemencies."
Inclemency is clemency with a twist of frost: one means merciful mildness, while the other evokes harsh, punishing conditions.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does inclemency come from?
Inclemency entered English during the early modern period from Latin inclementia, a noun derived from the adjective inclemens, meaning harsh, unkind, or severe. The Latin adjective was formed with in-, meaning not, and a root associated with clemency and mildness. Related forms include the English adjective inclement and cognates such as French inclémence, Spanish inclemencia, and Italian inclemenza.
How inclemency is actually used
A formal and literary word, especially common in descriptions of severe weather and adversity. It is generally used as an uncountable noun and has a more elevated tone than expressions such as "bad weather" or "harsh conditions".
Easily confused with inclemency
Inclemency is a noun meaning harshness or severity, whereas inclement is an adjective describing harsh weather or conditions.