Inimical

Sunday, November 23, 2025
Word of the Day

What is Inimical?

adjective
Tending to obstruct or harm; unfriendly or hostile.

Pronunciation

US pronunciation: /ɪˈnɪm.ɪ.kəl/
UK pronunciation: /ɪˈnɪm.ɪ.k(ə)l/
Slow pronunciation: in-IM-ih-kul

Meaning Explained

Inimical is the cool, formal way to say “bad for” or “hostile to.”

Why This Word?

Chosen to sharpen risk language without hyperbole.

Examples of Use

Here's how this word appears in everyday language:

  • Policies inimical to innovation hampered growth.
  • An inimical glare met his proposal.
  • The desert is inimical to unprepared travelers.

Word Origins

Latin inimicus “enemy,” from in- (not) + amicus (friend)

Often modifies environments, policies, or conditions.

First appearance in English: 17th century

Word Family

Related forms of this word:

  • Adjective: hostile

    Hostile terms doomed the talks.

  • Adjective: adverse

    Adverse weather canceled flights.

  • Adjective: deleterious

    Deleterious effects emerged over time.

Around the World

How this word appears in other languages:

  • Spanish: perjudicial / hostil
  • French: néfaste / hostile
  • German: abträglich / feindlich
  • Italian: nocivo / ostile
  • Portuguese: nocivo / hostil

If you Already Know This Word

If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:

Adverse

General bad effect; inimical can imply opposition.

Antagonistic

Actively opposing; inimical may be passive harm.

Pernicious

Highly harmful; inimical is formal and cooler.

Fun Facts

  • “Enemy” and “amicable” share the friend/enemy root family.
  • Writers prefer “inimical to” rather than “inimical with.”

Cultural Usage

  • Courts may void clauses inimical to public policy.
  • Species face conditions inimical to survival under rapid change.

Common Mistakes

Not “inimical to” without an object — the preposition is required.

Micro Story

Heat waves inimical to crop yields intensified this year.