inimical

IPA/ɪˈnɪmɪkl/
KK[ˌɪnˈɪmɪkəl]IPA/ɪˈnɪmɪkl/

inimical — adjective

  • inimicalpositive
  • more inimicalcomparative
  • most inimicalsuperlative

1. causing damage or preventing something from developing or succeeding as it shoul

1.形容詞C1
釋義

causing damage or preventing something from developing or succeeding as it should

例句

The drought in the region is inimical to the wheat harvest this season.

be inimical to + noun phrase

Constant noise from the nightclub proved inimical to Tunde's ability to sleep.

prove inimical to + noun phrase (result)

同義詞
  • harmful

    less formal and more common; simply means causing damage without the nuance of active opposition

  • detrimental

    similar formality; focuses on the negative effect rather than on active resistance

  • adverse

    used mainly for conditions or effects; e.g. adverse weather, adverse reaction

反義詞

文法句型

be inimical to + noun phrase

seem / prove / become inimical to + noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently followed by the preposition to, which introduces the person or thing that is harmed or limited. The subject is typically a situation, policy, condition, or substance — not a person.

常見錯誤

❌The loud music was inimical for my studying.
✅The loud music was inimical to my studying.
💡the correct preposition is to, not for.
❌He was inimical to start the project.
✅A lack of funding was inimical to the project.
💡this sense does not describe a personal unwillingness; use sense 2 (HOSTILE) or the adjective reluctant instead.

2. showing or feeling strong dislike and opposition toward someone

2.形容詞C1
釋義

showing or feeling strong dislike and opposition toward someone

例句

Eri gave her cousin an inimical stare when he knocked over her drink.

inimical stare (attributive use)

The two managers had been inimical toward each other since the budget dispute.

be inimical toward + person

同義詞
  • hostile

    more common and slightly less formal; the closest everyday alternative

  • unfriendly

    less intense; describes mild coldness rather than active opposition

  • antagonistic

    similar formality; emphasises active conflict or rivalry

反義詞

文法句型

be inimical to + person/group

be inimical toward + person/group

inimical + noun (look / tone / attitude)

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1 (HARMFUL EFFECT): this sense describes a person, their behaviour, or the atmosphere they create, whereas sense 1 describes a condition, policy, or substance that causes damage. Can appear attributively (before a noun such as look, tone, stare, attitude) or predicatively (be inimical toward/to someone).

常見錯誤

❌The cold weather was inimical toward the plants.
✅The cold weather was inimical to the plants.
💡use sense 1 (HARMFUL EFFECT) with to, not toward, when the subject is a condition.
❌Tomás was inimical to learn new skills.
✅Tomás was inimical to the idea of learning new skills.
💡when describing a person's attitude, the complement is a noun phrase, not a verb.