ominous
What does "ominous" mean?
The word "ominous" describes something that gives the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen. It carries the mental image of a dark, gathering storm cloud or the low, vibrating silence before a disaster; it is the feeling that fate is shifting toward a negative outcome. In usage, it is most often applied to atmospheric settings, signs, or sounds. You will frequently hear it paired with nouns like "silence," "clouds," or "signs." It is a formal, descriptive term used to heighten tension or signal impending misfortune in both writing and serious conversation.
"ominous" in conversation
Noticing bad weather
Do you see those black clouds gathering over the ridge?
Do you see those black clouds gathering over the ridge?
Yeah, the wind just died down completely. It feels pretty ominous.
Yeah, the wind just died down completely. It feels pretty ominous.
Used to describe a sense of impending danger in the environment.
Discussing a strange email
I just got a very short, vague email from my boss.
I just got a very short, vague email from my boss.
That sounds ominous. Did you do something wrong?
That sounds ominous. Did you do something wrong?
Used to describe a message that implies future trouble.
"ominous" in a sentence
The dark clouds looked ominous.
The dark clouds looked ominous.
There was an ominous silence before the meeting began.
There was an ominous silence before the meeting began.
The sudden drop in the stock price was an ominous sign for the company's future.
The sudden drop in the stock price was an ominous sign for the company's future.
