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Definition of inhospitable

inhospitable

/ˌɪnhɑːˈspɪtəbəl/
in · hos · pit · a · ble
Adverb:inhospitably
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inhospitable Lexical Profile

inhospitable Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Harsh and difficult to live in; unfavorable to life, growth, or shelter (of a place, climate, or environment).

Example

"Few plants can survive in the inhospitable terrain of the high desert."

2

Unfriendly and unwelcoming toward guests, visitors, or new ideas.

Example

"The villagers were initially inhospitable to strangers, though they warmed up over time."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for inhospitable

• Nearby Words

inhibition
inhibitive
inhibitor
inhospitable
inhospitably
inhospitality
inhuman

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Middle French or directly from Latin inhospitalis, formed from the privative prefix in- ('not') and hospitalis ('relating to a guest or host'), from hospes ('host, guest, or stranger').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Inhospitable. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/inhospitable
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