Word
hostile
Meanings
unfriendly, oppositional, or aggressive toward someone or something
making success difficult; not supportive or suitable (of conditions or an environment)
Definition
Unfriendly and ready to oppose or attack someone or something.
If someone is hostile, they show strong dislike and may behave aggressively or uncooperatively. It can describe people, groups, or attitudes in tense situations. It can also describe an environment or condition that is difficult to live in or operate within.
Examples
- I stayed calm, even when the audience grew hostile during the Q&A.
- You can’t build trust if your emails sound hostile to the people you rely on.
- He gave a hostile response to the suggestion, as if it questioned his competence.
- She tried to negotiate, but the other side remained hostile and refused to compromise.
- They withdrew the proposal after encountering hostile reactions from several departments.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "hostile" with "hostel" and mispronounce or misspell it.
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.