Definition

Inclement refers to severe or harsh weather conditions, typically involving rain, snow, hail, sleet, or strong winds. It can also describe a harsh or unfavorable environment or circumstances.

Pronunciation

US English

UK English

Part of Speech

Adjective

Synonyms

Harsh, severe, unfavorable, unpleasant, rough, stormy, bleak, inhospitable, wintry, inclement

Antonyms

Mild, pleasant, favorable, gentle, balmy, clement

Word Forms

Part of Speech Words
Noun inclementness, inclemencies, inclemency, inclementnesses
Verb None
Adjective inclement
Adverb None

Example Sentences

  • The weather forecast warned of inclement weather with strong winds and heavy rain.

  • The school decided to cancel the field trip due to inclement weather conditions.

  • The hikers had to take shelter from the inclement weather in a nearby cabin.

  • The team was unable to practice outdoors due to the inclement weather, so they had to train indoors instead.

Usage

The word inclement is typically used to describe severe or harsh weather conditions that can be difficult to manage or navigate. It can be used to describe a wide range of weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, sleet, hail, strong winds, and other forms of precipitation or extreme temperatures. In addition to weather, inclement can also be used to describe a harsh or unfavorable environment or circumstances, such as a difficult work environment, a challenging academic program, or a tough economic climate.

The word inclement comes from the Latin word “inclemens,” which means “harsh” or “unfavorable.” It is often used in weather forecasts, news reports, and other contexts to describe challenging or hazardous conditions that people need to be aware of. The word inclement can also be used metaphorically to describe challenging situations or circumstances that people need to overcome. For example, someone might describe a difficult boss or a challenging project as “inclement.”

There are several related words and phrases that are derived from the root word “clement,” which means mild or gentle. These include the words clemency, meaning mercy or leniency, and clementine, which is a type of citrus fruit. Other related words include the adjective clement, meaning mild or pleasant, and the noun clemecy, meaning mildness or leniency. In contrast, the prefix “in-” used in the word inclement indicates negation, implying the opposite of clement, which results in a harsh or unfavorable condition.