inhospitable
Americanadjective
-
not inclined to, or characterized by, hospitality, as persons or actions; unfriendly.
-
(of a region, climate, etc.) not offering shelter, favorable conditions, etc.; barren.
an inhospitable rocky coast.
adjective
-
not hospitable; unfriendly
-
(of a region, an environment, etc) lacking a favourable climate, terrain, etc
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of inhospitable
1560–70; < Middle French < Medieval Latin inhospitābilis. See in- 3, hospitable
Explanation
Inhospitable places aren't easy or comfortable to live in, and inhospitable people can be downright unfriendly — even hostile. A hotel is particularly inhospitable if it's got uncomfortable beds and grouchy desk clerks. Northern Minnesota is inhospitable in January, and many parts of India are inhospitable in the summertime — they are harsh, difficult places for most people. You're inhospitable to a visitor in your home if you don't offer a drink or ask if they want to sit, or in other ways try to make them comfortable. To be hospitable is to be friendly or pleasant, and when you add the "not" prefix in-, you get inhospitable.
Vocabulary lists containing inhospitable
This Week in Words: April 22 - 27, 2018
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Uglies
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
This Week in Words: May 18–24, 2019
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Inhospitable weather, inescapable midges and an irascible Prince Philip will have to be supplied by the buyer.
From BBC • Nov. 20, 2023
“The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We” promises more spare, wrenching songs like “Bug Like an Angel,” which puts a regal classic country melody up against a very modern flavor of loneliness.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 29, 2023
Inhospitable weather and terrain produce the need for social unity and thus conformity.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2014
Inhospitable as such a Red Planet redoubt would be, two years after you arrive, another crew will show up, and another two years after that, and another after that.
From Time Magazine Archive
Inhospitable, in-hos′pit-a-bl, adj. affording no kindness to strangers.—ns.
From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
