# inhospitable

/ˌɪnhɑˈspɪtəbəɫ/ (US) · /ɪnhɒspˈɪtəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/inhospitable
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

not friendly or welcoming to visitors. It can also describe a place that is very difficult to live in because of the weather or environment.

For teachers: unfriendly or unwelcoming to guests; lacking the qualities of a hospitable environment. Often describes physical landscapes that are harsh or unsuitable for human habitation.

## Examples

- The mountain air is very cold and inhospitable.
- The desert is an inhospitable place for most plants because there is almost no water.
- While the coastal town was once a bustling hub of trade, its inhospitable climate and frequent storms eventually drove the population inland to more temperate regions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.