ominous
UK: ˈɒm.ɪ.nəs | US: ˈɑː.mə.nəs
adj. suggesting that something bad is going to happen; threatening
adj. giving the impression that doom or misfortune is imminent
The word "ominous" traces back to the Latin ominosus, derived from omen (meaning "a sign or forewarning," often of misfortune). The suffix -ous (from Latin -osus) turns the noun into an adjective, implying "full of" or "characterized by." Historically, omens were interpreted as divine messages, and their negative connotations solidified in English by the 16th century. The logic is straightforward: an "ominous" event carries the weight of an ill omen.
The dark clouds looked ominous before the storm hit.
His ominous silence made everyone uneasy.
The sudden drop in stock prices was an ominous sign for the economy.
She gave him an ominous warning about the dangers ahead.
The howling wind sounded ominous in the empty valley.