Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing
Inimical
adjective
/ ih-NIM-ih-kul /
Hard
Meaning
Tending to obstruct or harm; hostile or harmful to something; acting as an obstacle or adversary. More formal and precise than simply 'harmful' — implies active opposition or inherent incompatibility.
Origin / Etymology
From Latin inimicalis, from inimicus (enemy), from in- (not) + amicus (friend). Entered English in the 17th century.
Synonyms
Hostile
Detrimental
Adverse
Antagonistic
Antithetical
Antonyms
Conducive
Favourable
Benign
Propitious
Example Sentence
"Frequent policy reversals are inimical to investor confidence and undermine the ease of doing business in any economy."
🎯 UPSC Usage
Excellent high-register word for Mains essays and GS answers. Use in sentences like 'corruption is inimical to democratic governance', 'regulatory uncertainty is inimical to long-term investment', or 'communal polarisation is inimical to national unity'. Elevates the quality of written expression significantly.
Relevant Subjects