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inclement

/ˈɪnkləmɪnt/

/ˈɪnkləmənt/

Other forms: inclemently

Inclement usually refers to severe or harsh weather that is cold and wet. When packing for a trip to the Caribbean bring tank tops and shorts, but don't forget a raincoat in case of inclement weather.

This adjective can also refer to a person or action that is harsh and unmerciful. Inclement is from a Latin root formed from the prefix in- "not" plus clemens "clement." This English adjective clement can mean either mild or merciful; the more commonly used noun clemency can mean mildness or mercy.

Definitions of inclement
  1. adjective
    (of weather or climate) severe
    Synonyms:
    intemperate
    (of weather or climate) not mild; subject to extremes
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    Antonyms:
    clement
    (of weather or climate) physically mild
    balmy, mild, soft
    mild and pleasant
    temperate
    (of weather or climate) free from extremes; mild; or characteristic of such weather or climate
    show more antonyms...
  2. adjective
    used of persons or behavior; showing no clemency or mercy
    “the harsh sentence of an inclement judge”
    Synonyms:
    unsparing
    not forbearing; ruthless
    merciless, unmerciful
    having or showing no mercy
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    Antonyms:
    clement
    (used of persons or behavior) inclined to show mercy
    lenient
    characterized by tolerance and mercy
    merciful
    showing or giving mercy
    show more antonyms...
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘inclement'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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