Inimical is an adjective used to describe something that is harmful, hostile, or unfavorable. It often refers to actions, conditions, or attitudes that are antagonistic or obstructive. The term is frequently used in formal or literary contexts to emphasize a negative impact or opposition. “Inimical” suggests active resistance or detrimental effects, either intentionally or as a result of circumstances.
Sentences Using “Inimical”:
- The politician’s policies were widely criticized as inimical to public welfare.
- Excessive screen time is inimical to good eye health and sleep quality.
- The company’s practices were deemed inimical to environmental sustainability.
- His inimical attitude towards change slowed progress in the organization.
- The harsh desert climate was inimical to most forms of life.
- Their longstanding feud created an inimical atmosphere during family gatherings.
- Corruption is inimical to the principles of democracy and justice.
- Overregulation can sometimes be inimical to entrepreneurial innovation.
- The committee rejected proposals that were inimical to the interests of small businesses.
- The poison ivy plant produced an inimical reaction on her skin.
Synonyms for “inimical”:
- Hostile
- Adverse
- Harmful
- Unfriendly
- Antagonistic
- Obstructive
- Injurious
- Detrimental
- Opposed
- Unsympathetic
Antonyms for “inimical”:
- Friendly
- Favorable
- Supportive
- Beneficial
- Cordial
- Sympathetic
- Cooperative
- Encouraging
- Hospitable
- Advantageous
Related Words:
- Oppositional
- Antipathetic
- Obstructive
- Pernicious
- Defiant
- Resistant
- Dangerous
- Counteractive
- Negative
- Obstacle
Idiomatic Expressions:
- “Set against” – Being inimical or opposed to, e.g., “The group was set against any proposal inimical to their values.”
- “Not see eye to eye” – To have inimical views, e.g., “They didn’t see eye to eye on the project’s direction, leading to conflict.”
- “Throw a wrench in the works” – To act in an inimical way by creating problems, e.g., “The delays were inimical and threw a wrench in the works.”
- “Rub the wrong way” – To cause hostility, e.g., “His comments rubbed people the wrong way, making his demeanor seem inimical.”
- “Against the grain” – Contrary to what is favorable or typical, e.g., “Her inimical behavior went against the grain of the group’s cooperative spirit.”
