Inauspiciousness

Inauspiciousness is a quality attributed to events, times, or signs believed to forecast bad fortune or ill outcomes. It is the opposite of auspiciousness, and its interpretation is culturally dependent.

The term is used across religious, folkloric, and everyday contexts. Signs considered inauspicious may include dates, dreams, weather, celestial configurations, or natural phenomena, though what counts as such can vary widely. In some traditions, auspiciousness and inauspiciousness are tied to lunar days, planetary configurations, or dream interpretation. Linguistically, the word derives from a prefix meaning "not" combined with auspic- from Latin auspicium, meaning omen.

People may adjust behavior to avoid risk: postponing ceremonies, choosing different dates, performing protective rituals, or offering prayers. In practice, this can lead to ritual avoidance, revised planning, or the selection of alternative times and methods for important life events, business ventures, or travel.

Scholarly perspectives emphasize that inauspiciousness is a social construct used to manage risk, regulate conduct, and reinforce norms within a community. In modern secular contexts, the term is often used metaphorically to describe perceived misfortune or setbacks, rather than as a determiner of fate. Related concepts include auspiciousness, omens, and superstition, and discussions frequently intersect with anthropology, psychology, and religious studies to explore how signs of ill fortune influence behavior and social structures.