Word
ominous
Phoneticsomi·nous
US/ˈɑmənəs/
UK/ˈɒmɪnəs/
Definitions
01threatening or worrying
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. suggesting that something unpleasant or dangerous is about to happen.
adj. giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen; threatening or inauspicious.
“The dark, heavy clouds looked ominous as we started our hike.”
“The sudden, ominous silence from the engine room suggested a mechanical failure far more serious than a simple blown fuse.”
Usage
Often used to describe sounds, weather, or a heavy silence.
Teaching tip
While the root 'omen' can be positive or negative, 'ominous' is almost exclusively used for negative expectations.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02relating to omens
C2 · Proficiency Literary · Formal
adj. connected to signs that predict the future.
adj. of or pertaining to an omen; serving as a sign of a future event, whether good or bad.
“The ancient priest studied the ominous flight of the birds.”
“In classical literature, even a seemingly minor event could be interpreted as an ominous sign of the gods' shifting favour.”
Usage
In modern English, this neutral sense is rare and usually replaced by 'portentous'.
Teaching tip
This is the original etymological sense, but it is rarely encountered outside of academic or historical texts.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“The NHS’s national medical director warned earlier this month that hospitals were showing “ominous” signs of an early flu season.” “Here, Magnus Coffinkey, a man who makes a living fixing bells, climbs a tower to complete the most difficult job of his career, one made harder by ominous gargoyles and bats.” Etymology
From Latin ōminōsus (“full of foreboding”), from ōmen (“forbidden fruit, omen”), from Old Latin osmen, of uncertain origin, with many origins proposed (see ōmen).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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