English vocabulary · C2
Inimical
/ɪˈnɪm.ɪ.kəl/ · adj.
An inimical thing harms something or works against it. It makes life or growth harder, like an enemy.
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Example sentences
- Inimical frost killed the beans.
- The fumes were inimical to growth.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- inimicus — enemy (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- HARMFUL — bad for something (Cause damage)
- HOSTILE — unfriendly and opposed (Act like an enemy)
- ADVERSE — making success harder (Work against a goal)
Similar words
- harmful
- hostile
- adverse
- unfriendly
- damaging
Lesson notes
An inimical thing harms something or works against it. It makes life or growth harder, like an enemy.
Related: harmful, hostile, adverse. Use inimical when harm blocks growth.
Inimical frost killed the beans. The fumes were inimical to growth.
From Latin. inimicus- means enemy. An enemy does harm, so inimical acts break trust with friends.