inhospitable

[in-hos-pi-tuh-buhl, in-ho-spit-uh-buhl]

adjective

1. not inclined to, or characterized by, hospitality, as persons or actions; unfriendly.

2. (of a region, climate, etc.) not offering shelter, favorable conditions, etc.; barren.

   an inhospitable rocky coast.

inhospitable

/ ˌɪnhɒˈspɪt-, ɪnˈhɒspɪtəbəl /

adjective

1. not hospitable; unfriendly

2. (of a region, an environment, etc) lacking a favourable climate, terrain, etc

Other Word Forms

• inhospitableness noun
• inhospitably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of inhospitable¹

1560–70; < Middle French < Medieval Latin inhospitābilis. See in- ³, hospitable

Example Sentences

California’s political landscape has been consistently inhospitable to wealthy candidates over the past five decades, with every fabulously rich political newcomer failing to win either the governorship or a U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

It will land on the Moon's south polar region - one of the most inhospitable places on the lunar surface.

From BBC

People scour the inhospitable landscape stretching across several countries in the hope of finding one to sell on.

From BBC

Sound could also help us explore planets like Jupiter and Saturn, which likely have plenty of sound to hear but have thick clouds and inhospitable conditions that make it difficult to access visually, Impey said.

From Salon

Longer summers, hotter temperatures and heavy rainfall are creating conditions for the nuisance insects to move into areas that were previously inhospitable to them.

From BBC

Related Words

• hostile 
• unfavorable