inhospitable

adjective

in·​hos·​pi·​ta·​ble ˌin-(ˌ)hä-ˈspi-tə-bəl How to pronounce inhospitable (audio) (ˌ)in-ˈhä-(ˌ)spi- How to pronounce inhospitable (audio)
Synonyms of inhospitablenext
1
: not showing hospitality : not friendly or receptive
2
: providing no shelter or sustenance
an inhospitable environment
inhospitableness noun
inhospitably
ˌin-(ˌ)hä-ˈspi-tə-blē How to pronounce inhospitable (audio)
(ˌ)in-ˈhä-(ˌ)spi-
adverb

Synonyms of inhospitable

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Examples of inhospitable in a Sentence

It's very inhospitable of him to be so rude to strangers. the proposal received an unexpectedly inhospitable response from the city council
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Making homes inhospitable to pests is a sign of a good cleaning routine, but when insects start showing up, something is amiss. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 May 2026 Other insects, like roaches, are also drawn inside when the weather is inhospitable. — Eva Flowe june 25, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2026 One key to removing them from your garden is to make their habitat inhospitable by removing low-hanging leaves, rocks and weeds that provide that shade. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 7 July 2026 With conditions outdoors somewhat inhospitable, the Rēsonance wellness hub proved to be a port in a storm. — Flora Stubbs, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for inhospitable

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inhospitable was circa 1570

Browse Nearby Words

inhoop
inhospitable
inhospital
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inhospitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inhospitable. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inhospitable

adjective
in·​hos·​pi·​ta·​ble ˌin-(ˌ)häs-ˈpit-ə-bəl How to pronounce inhospitable (audio) (ˈ)in-ˈhäs-(ˌ)pit- How to pronounce inhospitable (audio)
1
: not friendly or generous : not showing hospitality
2
: providing no shelter or food : barren
an inhospitable desert
inhospitably
-blē How to pronounce inhospitable (audio)
adverb
inhospitality
(ˌ)in-ˌhäs-pə-ˈtal-ət-ē
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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