adj

inhospitable

ihn-hos-PIH-tuh-buhl

Inhospitable (adj) means unwelcoming to visitors or guests. Example: “The staff were cold and inhospitable from the moment we arrived.”

adj

Unwelcoming to visitors or guests.

"The staff were cold and inhospitable from the moment we arrived."

"Nobody felt at ease in his inhospitable household."

Harsh and unwelcoming as an environment; offering little shelter or comfort.

"The Antarctic coastline is one of the most inhospitable places on Earth."

"Few plants survive in such an inhospitable desert climate."

How to use inhospitable

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishNot welcoming — whether that's an unfriendly host or a harsh, barren place.

Common pairings

inhospitable terrain inhospitable climate cold and inhospitable

Word forms

more inhospitable comparative, most inhospitable superlative

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Etymology

From Medieval Latin inhospitabilis, simply "not hospitable" — in- ("not") plus hospitable.

Origin: Medieval Latin

Rhymes for inhospitable

able fable cable table viable liable stable tenable parable affable amiable notable

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Frequently asked questions

What does “inhospitable” mean?

The word “inhospitable” means unwelcoming to visitors or guests. In plain terms, not welcoming — whether that's an unfriendly host or a harsh, barren place.

How do you pronounce “inhospitable”?

“Inhospitable” is pronounced ihn-hos-PIH-tuh-buhl (/ˌɪnhɒsˈpɪtəbəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “inhospitable” in a sentence?

Here is “inhospitable” used in a sentence: “The staff were cold and inhospitable from the moment we arrived.”

What part of speech is “inhospitable”?

“Inhospitable” is an adjective.

Where does the word “inhospitable” come from?

The word “inhospitable” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin inhospitabilis, simply "not hospitable" — in- ("not") plus hospitable.

How many meanings does “inhospitable” have?

“Inhospitable” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: unwelcoming to visitors or guests.