inclement
inclement — adjective
- inclementpositive
- more inclementcomparative
- most inclementsuperlative
1. describing weather that is rough and uncomfortable, often bringing cold, wind, r
describing weather that is rough and uncomfortable, often bringing cold, wind, rain, or similar outdoor trouble.
Inclement weather kept Bilal's fishing boat tied to the pier all weekend.
collocation: inclement weather
Because the forecast turned inclement, the school moved sports day into the gym.
turn inclement before an event
Campers packed up early when inclement conditions swept across the mountain road.
An inclement afternoon of sleet and sharp wind emptied the beach by noon.
文法句型
inclement + weather
inclement + conditions
用法筆記
Usually modifies weather, conditions, or another outdoor noun in fairly formal English. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense is about the climate itself, not a person's harsh attitude or treatment.
常見錯誤
2. harsh and unwilling to show mercy in judgment, treatment, or action.
harsh and unwilling to show mercy in judgment, treatment, or action.
Villagers feared the inclement governor, who doubled taxes after the poor harvest.
inclement + person in authority
Her inclement treatment of late workers drove two new staff members to quit.
inclement treatment of + people
The regime remained inclement toward striking miners throughout the winter dispute.
Parents complained that the school's inclement discipline suspended children for minor mistakes.
- merciless
stronger and more direct about showing no pity
- harsh
broader everyday word for severe treatment
- severe
can sound more neutral and often fits rules or punishment
- unforgiving
stresses a refusal to excuse mistakes
- lenient
willing to punish less severely
- compassionate
shows concern for another person's suffering
- clement
formal opposite meaning gentle or merciful
文法句型
be inclement toward/towards + person/group
inclement + treatment/judge/discipline
用法筆記
This sense is rare and formal, and it often appears with authorities, punishments, or treatment of other people. Distinguish from sense 1: the harshness here comes from human judgment or behavior, not the weather.