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Inhospitable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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inhospitable

[ɪnˈhɒspɪtəb(ə)l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

living conditions

Not offering a welcoming or friendly environment; harsh and unwelcoming.

Synonyms

harsh, unfriendly, uninviting, unwelcoming.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inhospitable

Used to describe an environment or place that is difficult to live in or visit. Often describes natural settings.

  • This desert is extremely inhospitable to human life.
  • The inhospitable climate discouraged settlers.
unwelcoming

Describes a place or group where one feels not accepted or comfortable. Can be used for both places and social settings.

  • The town was unwelcoming to outsiders.
  • The company culture is unwelcoming to new ideas.
unfriendly

Describes a person or behavior that is not kind or welcoming. Primarily used in social situations.

  • The new neighbor seemed unfriendly and kept to himself.
  • The staff at the restaurant were unfriendly and rude.
harsh

Describes something severe or very difficult to endure. Can refer to weather, criticism, or actions.

  • The harsh winter took its toll on the wildlife.
  • She received harsh criticism for her performance.
uninviting

Describes a place or situation that doesn’t look welcoming or attractive. Often used for physical spaces.

  • The old house had an uninviting appearance.
  • The dark, narrow alley was uninviting.

Examples of usage

  • The inhospitable desert offered little relief from the scorching sun.
  • The inhospitable terrain made it difficult for any plants to grow.
  • The inhospitable weather conditions made it dangerous for the hikers.
  • The inhospitable hotel staff made the guests feel unwelcome.
  • The inhospitable environment forced the animals to adapt to survive.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Geography

  • Many deserts, like the Sahara, are considered inhospitable due to extreme temperatures and lack of water.
  • Certain regions in Antarctica are labeled inhospitable because of freezing temperatures and harsh winds.

Psychology

  • Social environments perceived as inhospitable can lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety.
  • A person’s perception of a place’s hospitality can significantly affect their mental well-being.

Literature

  • In classic literature, inhospitable settings often symbolize inner turmoil or conflict among characters.
  • Works like 'The Road' by Cormac McCarthy depict inhospitable landscapes to reflect human struggle.

Climate Change

  • Climate change is making certain regions more inhospitable as extreme weather events become more frequent.
  • Areas that once thrived may become inhospitable due to rising sea levels and changing ecosystems.

Origin of 'inhospitable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'inhospitabilis', meaning unfriendly or not welcoming.
  • The prefix 'in-' means 'not', while 'hospitable' comes from 'hospitabilis', relating to being friendly to guests.

The word 'inhospitable' originated from the Latin word 'inhospitabilis', which means 'unfriendly' or 'unwelcoming'. Over time, it has evolved to describe environments or conditions that are harsh and unwelcoming to inhabitants. The concept of inhospitable environments has been present throughout history, as humans have had to adapt and survive in challenging conditions.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,537, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.