The word "auspicious" is an adjective that means conducive to success; favorable; or giving or being a sign of future success. Here are some antonyms and an analysis of them:
- Inauspicious
- Meaning: Not conducive to success; unfavorable; giving a sign that something bad will happen.
- Analysis: "Inauspicious" is the most direct antonym of "auspicious." It simply has the opposite meaning. For example, an auspicious start to a business venture might be when you sign a contract with a major client on a day that is considered lucky according to cultural beliefs. An inauspicious start, on the other hand, could be when you encounter multiple problems and setbacks right from the beginning, such as equipment failures and staff shortages. The two words are used to describe the likelihood of a positive or negative outcome.
- Ominous
- Meaning: Giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen; threatening; inauspicious.
- Analysis: "Ominous" is closely related to inauspicious. While "auspicious" implies a positive or hopeful sign, "ominous" emphasizes a sense of foreboding and negative expectation. For instance, dark clouds gathering before an important outdoor event can be seen as an ominous sign, suggesting that rain might spoil the occasion. In contrast, a clear sky with a beautiful sunrise could be considered an auspicious sign for the same event.
- Unlucky
- Meaning: Having or resulting in bad luck; not favored by fortune.
- Analysis: When we say something is "auspicious," it's often associated with good luck or a positive turn of events. "Unlucky," then, is the opposite in terms of the concept of fortune. For example, if a person believes that a particular number is auspicious and brings good fortune when it appears, they would consider other numbers that seem to be associated with negative outcomes as unlucky. A gambler might think that a certain roll of the dice is auspicious and likely to lead to a win, while an unlucky roll would lead to a loss.
- Adverse
- Meaning: Acting against or in a contrary direction; unfavorable; harmful.
- Analysis: "Adverse" is used to describe conditions or factors that work against a positive outcome. In contrast to "auspicious," which implies a helpful or beneficial situation, "adverse" suggests a situation that is challenging or negative. For example, an auspicious economic climate might have low inflation, high consumer confidence, and a growing job market. An adverse economic climate, on the other hand, would have high inflation, low consumer spending, and a shrinking job market, making it difficult for businesses to succeed.