inclement

IPA/ɪnˈklemənt/
KK[ˌɪnklˈɛmənt]IPA/ɪnˈklemənt/

inclement — adjective

  • inclementpositive
  • more inclementcomparative
  • most inclementsuperlative

1. describing weather that is rough and uncomfortable, often bringing cold, wind, r

1.adjectiveC2
Definition

describing weather that is rough and uncomfortable, often bringing cold, wind, rain, or similar outdoor trouble.

Example

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

Common collocations
  • inclement weather
  • inclement conditions
  • inclement afternoon
  • inclement season
Synonyms
  • stormy

    stronger and more specific to rain, wind, or thunder

  • harsh

    broader and can describe conditions besides weather

  • wintry

    focuses on cold weather and does not require danger

  • rough

    more everyday and less formal than 'inclement'

Antonyms
  • mild

    pleasantly not cold, wet, or severe

  • calm

    emphasizes little wind or disturbance

  • pleasant

    broader everyday word for enjoyable weather

Grammar Patterns

inclement + weather

inclement + conditions

Usage Note

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.

Common Mistakes

The hostel room was inclement.
The hostel room was uncomfortable.
this word usually describes bad weather or outdoor conditions, not indoor spaces.

2. harsh and unwilling to show mercy in judgment, treatment, or action.

2.adjectiveC2
Definition

harsh and unwilling to show mercy in judgment, treatment, or action.

Example

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

Common collocations
  • inclement governor
  • inclement treatment
  • inclement toward critics
  • inclement discipline
Synonyms
  • 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

Antonyms
  • lenient

    willing to punish less severely

  • compassionate

    shows concern for another person's suffering

  • clement

    formal opposite meaning gentle or merciful

Grammar Patterns

be inclement toward/towards + person/group

inclement + treatment/judge/discipline

Usage Note

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.

Common Mistakes

His inclement joke upset everyone.
His cruel joke upset everyone.
this sense is usually used for severe treatment, judgment, or authority, not a single casual remark.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

For weather, inclement is a formal word for conditions that make being outside unpleasant or risky, especially when cold, wind, or rain combine. Stormy is narrower and usually points to strong wind, thunder, or heavy rain rather than bad weather in general. Harsh is broader and can describe winter, desert heat, or living conditions as well as weather. Severe is stronger still and often suggests danger, official warnings, or real disruption. You might cancel a school trip because of inclement weather, describe a night of thunder as stormy, call a northern winter harsh, or hear that a severe storm is approaching the coast.

inclement ↗stormy ↗harsh ↗severe ↗

Etymology

LatinEnglish

'Inclement' comes from Latin 'inclemens', meaning not gentle, harsh, or unmerciful. It is built from the negative prefix 'in-' and a root related to 'clemens', meaning mild or merciful. English kept both sides of that older idea, so the word can still describe rough weather as well as severe treatment.