Word
inclement
Phoneticsin·clement
US/ˈɪnkɫɪmənt/
UK/ɪnklˈɛmənt/
Definition
adj. describing bad or unpleasant weather, especially when it is very cold or rainy. It is a more formal and slightly old-fashioned way to talk about a stormy day.
adj. unpleasant or severe in weather; specifically, characterized by rain, snow, or cold. Often carries a literary or formal tone; frequently used in the phrase 'inclement weather'.
Examples
“The hikers decided to turn back because of the inclement weather.”
“The airline canceled several flights after the storm brought inclement weather to the region for three consecutive days.”
“Despite the inclement conditions that greeted the explorers at the mountain pass, they pressed on, determined to reach the summit before the sun set.”
Examples
simple
“The hikers decided to turn back because of the inclement weather.”
contextual
“The airline canceled several flights after the storm brought inclement weather to the region for three consecutive days.”
complex
“Despite the inclement conditions that greeted the explorers at the mountain pass, they pressed on, determined to reach the summit before the sun set.”
Real-World Examples
“For three days, the group remained indoors, confined by the unseasonable and mysterious inclement weather.” “The stadium was hosting its first international fixture since the October 2024 Test match between India and New Zealand and more than 20,000 expectant fans braved the inclement weather.” Etymology
From Latin inclēmēns (“unmerciful, severe”), from in- (“not”) + clēmēns (“mild, placid”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/inclement