What does inclement mean?

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈklemənt/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Adjective

Definition

Unfavorable or unpleasant, especially due to bad weather.

Examples

• The inclement weather forced us to cancel the picnic.
• The tourists were disappointed by the inclement conditions.

Synonyms

• Bad
• Unfavorable
• Unpleasant

Antonyms

• Favorable
• Pleasant

Additional Information

Inclement weather can have a significant impact on outdoor activities, such as sports, festivals, and picnics. It can also affect the mood and productivity of people. Moreover, inclement weather can be hazardous, especially in areas prone to natural disasters like hurricanes or floods.

In everyday language, inclement is often used to describe unpleasant weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or extreme heat. It can also be used to describe unpleasant situations or environments, like a noisy or dirty place.

Etymology

The word “inclement” comes from the Latin “inclemens,” meaning “unmerciful” or “harsh.”

Usage Notes

Inclement is often used to describe weather conditions, but it can also be used to describe other unpleasant situations or environments. When used to describe weather, it is often used in formal or technical contexts, such as in weather forecasts or scientific reports.

Cultural References

Inclement weather has been a theme in many literary and artistic works, such as Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and Bob Dylan’s song “A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall.”

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Rain or shine (meaning “no matter what the weather is like”)
• Weather the storm (meaning “to endure a difficult situation”)

Related Words or Phrases

• Foul weather
• Bad climate
• Unpleasant atmosphere

Collocations

• Inclement weather conditions
• Inclement climate
• Inclement environment

Frequency of Use

Inclement is a moderately common word, often used in formal or technical contexts.