Inimical
/ɪˈnɪmɪkəl/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Inimical describes something that is harmful, unfriendly, or opposed to a person, idea, or situation. It often means that something causes damage or makes things difficult. It is usually used in formal or serious contexts.
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See It in Action
Harmful or damaging to something
- •Smoking is inimical to your health.
- •The chemicals in the factory are inimical to the environment.
- •Loud noise can be inimical to a good night's sleep.
Unfriendly or opposed to someone or something
- •His inimical attitude made it hard for the team to work together.
- •The two countries have had inimical relations for years.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'inimical' like 'bad' or 'not friendly,' but more serious and often about causing harm or problems
- ✓Picture a cold wind that makes it hard to walk outside—it is not just uncomfortable, it works against you
- ✓It's the feeling when someone or something blocks your way or stops you from succeeding
- ✓Sounds like 'enemy-cull' → imagine an enemy trying to cut down or harm you, so 'inimical' means harmful like an enemy
- ✓In stories, an inimical character is one who tries to stop the hero or cause trouble
- ✓NOT like 'friendly' (helps or supports), inimical means the opposite—unfriendly or harmful
- ✓NOT like 'neutral' (no effect), inimical has a clear negative effect or opposition
- ✓NOT like 'accidental' harm; inimical often implies a clear or intended opposition or damage
Try Other Words
- •Hostile: unfriendly and opposing (Use when emphasizing active opposition or aggression)
- •Unfriendly: not kind or friendly (Use for general lack of kindness or support)
- •Damaging: causing damage or harm (Use when focusing on physical or practical harm)
- •Adverse: harmful or unfavorable (Use especially in formal or technical contexts)
Unboxing
- •Prefix: 'in-' meaning 'not' or 'against'
- •Root: Latin 'inimicus' meaning 'enemy' or 'unfriendly'
- •Etymology: From Latin 'inimicalis,' related to 'inimicus' (enemy)
- •Historical development: Originally meant 'hostile' or 'enemy-like,' now often means harmful or unfriendly
- •Modern usage: Used in formal writing or speech to describe things or attitudes that are harmful or opposed
Reflect & Connect
•Can something be inimical without meaning to be harmful, just by accident? How would you explain that?
•How does knowing the word inimical help you understand relationships or situations where people or things do not get along?
Fill in the blanks
1.Smoking is inimical to your health because it ___ your lungs and heart.
2.An inimical attitude can ___ teamwork and cause conflicts.
3.Unlike friendly advice, inimical actions ___ problems or harm.
4.When a country has inimical relations with another, it often ___ cooperation and peace.
5.The chemicals released were inimical ___ the local wildlife, causing many deaths.
6.Inimical environments ___ growth and success for many plants and animals.
7.She spoke in an inimical tone, showing her ___ feelings toward the decision.