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प्रतिकूल

B1 adjective 9 min read

प्रतिकूल

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips प्रतिकूल in 30 Seconds

Explanation प्रतिकूल in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't really need to use 'प्रतिकूल' (Pratikūl) in your own speaking yet. It is a bit too formal. Instead, you will use simple words like 'बुरा' (Burā - bad) or 'खराब' (Kharāb - spoiled/bad). However, it is good to recognize it. If you see it, just think of it as a fancy way of saying 'bad' or 'not good' for a specific situation. For example, if the weather is bad for a picnic, a news reporter might use this word. At this stage, just focus on the fact that it starts with 'P' and means something 'Problematic' or 'Poor' for the situation. You might see it in very simple signs or weather icons in India, but your main goal is just to not be confused when you hear it on TV. It is the opposite of 'Anukūl' (favourable). Think of 'Pratikūl' as 'not matching' what you want to do. If you want to go out and it rains, the rain is 'pratikūl'.

At the A2 level, you are starting to build a more varied vocabulary. You can begin to recognize 'प्रतिकूल' (Pratikūl) in news headlines or short formal texts. You should understand that it is an adjective used to describe situations (like weather or health) that are not helpful. You might not use it in daily conversation with friends, but if you are writing a simple formal letter or an application for leave due to 'bad circumstances', using 'pratikūl परिस्थिति' (pratikūl paristhiti) will make your Hindi sound much better. At this level, focus on the 'ke' construction: 'Mausam yātrā ke pratikūl hai' (The weather is unfavourable for the journey). This is a useful pattern. You should also be able to distinguish it from 'kharāb'. While 'kharāb' means something is broken or low quality, 'pratikūl' means the situation is working against you. It is a step up in your language journey.

B1 is the level where 'प्रतिकूल' (Pratikūl) becomes a key part of your active vocabulary. You are now expected to discuss more abstract topics like the environment, health, and simple economics. You should use 'pratikūl' to describe adverse effects ('pratikūl prabhav') or unfavourable conditions. In your writing, instead of just saying 'mausam burā thā', you can say 'mausam hamāre pratikūl thā' to sound more precise. You should also be comfortable using it in the 'ke pratikūl' format to show opposition or unfavourability towards a person or a group. At this level, you start to see the word in newspapers and official notices regularly. You should also know its antonym 'anukūl' and be able to use both to compare situations. For example, 'Subah kā samay padhne ke liye anukūl hai, par shor hone par pratikūl ho jātā hai' (Morning is favourable for studying, but it becomes unfavourable when there is noise).

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'प्रतिकूल' (Pratikūl). You will use it in complex sentences to describe socio-political impacts, legal outcomes, and scientific findings. You should be able to use it as a synonym for 'adverse' in professional contexts. For instance, discussing the 'pratikūl prabhāv' of global warming on agriculture or the 'pratikūl parinām' (adverse results) of a policy. You should also understand its use in legal and formal bureaucratic Hindi, such as 'pratikūl tippanī' (adverse remarks in a report). Your usage should be natural, knowing when to choose 'pratikūl' over 'viprīt' or 'viruddh'. You should be able to write essays or give presentations where you analyze how certain 'pratikūl' factors led to a specific outcome. This word is a marker of your ability to handle formal and semi-formal Hindi with ease.

At the C1 level, 'प्रतिकूल' (Pratikūl) is used with absolute precision and stylistic flair. You understand its deep roots in Sanskrit and how it functions in classical and modern literature. You can use it to describe philosophical or existential adversity. In high-level debates, you might use it to describe an 'ideological opposition' (v विचारधारा के प्रतिकूल). You are also aware of its placement in complex grammatical structures and can use it in compound sentences without hesitation. You can distinguish the subtle differences between 'pratikūl', 'viparyay', and 'vaimanasya'. In professional writing, such as a white paper or a legal brief, you use 'pratikūl' to denote technical adversity. You are also sensitive to the 'register' of the word, ensuring it is used to maintain a formal and serious tone. You might also encounter it in historical texts describing 'pratikūl rājnitik paristhiti' (adverse political situations of the past).

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like mastery of 'प्रतिकूल' (Pratikūl). You can use it in any context—literary, legal, scientific, or political—with perfect accuracy. You can appreciate the word's aesthetic value in poetry where it might be used to describe 'pratikūl bhāgya' (adverse fate). You are capable of translating complex English legal or philosophical texts into Hindi using 'pratikūl' to capture the exact nuance of 'adverse' or 'contrary'. You can also engage in high-level academic discussions about 'pratikūl bhugolik sthiti' (adverse geographical conditions) and their impact on civilization. At this stage, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for precise expression. You can also identify when a speaker or writer uses the word incorrectly or in an awkward register. Your command over the word and its various collocations (like 'pratikūl bhugtan santulan' - adverse balance of payments) is complete.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

प्रतिकूल in 30 Seconds

Pratikūl means 'unfavourable' or 'adverse'. It is a formal word used for situations that are not helpful.
It is the opposite of 'Anukūl' (favourable) and is often used in news, health, and law.
You use it to describe bad weather, negative medicine effects, or difficult life circumstances.
It is an invariable adjective, meaning it doesn't change based on the gender of the noun.

The Hindi word प्रतिकूल (Pratikūl) is a sophisticated adjective primarily used to describe conditions, circumstances, or influences that are unfavorable, adverse, or hostile. Rooted in Sanskrit, the word is a combination of 'Prati' (against/opposite) and 'Kūl' (bank/shore). Literally, it suggests something that goes against the natural flow or the bank of a river. In a metaphorical sense, it refers to anything that hinders progress or creates an obstacle. For English speakers, it is best translated as 'unfavourable,' 'adverse,' 'contrary,' or 'detrimental.' It is a formal word, frequently appearing in news reports, academic writing, legal documents, and formal conversations regarding health, weather, or economics.

Weather Context: When the weather is not suitable for an activity, like a flight or a match, we use 'pratikūl mausam'.

भारी बारिश के कारण मैच के लिए परिस्थितियाँ प्रतिकूल थीं। (Due to heavy rain, the conditions were unfavourable for the match.)

Beyond physical environments, 'pratikūl' is used to describe abstract concepts like 'pratikūl prabhav' (adverse effects) of a medicine or 'pratikūl paristhiti' (adverse circumstances) in life. It implies a sense of struggle where the environment is not supporting the subject's intent. While 'burā' (bad) is a general term, 'pratikūl' specifically highlights the mismatch between the situation and the desired outcome. It is the direct antonym of अनुकूल (Anukūl), which means favourable or conducive.

Medical Context: Used to describe side effects or negative reactions to treatments.

दवा का स्वास्थ्य पर प्रतिकूल प्रभाव पड़ सकता है। (The medicine may have an adverse effect on health.)

In literary Hindi, authors use 'pratikūl' to emphasize the protagonist's struggle against fate or society. It suggests a certain gravity. If a businessman says 'bāzār kī sthiti pratikūl hai,' he isn't just saying the market is bad; he is saying it is working against his interests. It is a word of high utility in B1 level Hindi and above, marking a transition from basic descriptive language to nuanced situational analysis.

Economic Context: Describing market trends or financial climates that are not profitable.

आर्थिक मंदी के दौरान व्यापार के लिए समय प्रतिकूल होता है। (During an economic recession, times are unfavourable for business.)

उसकी विचारधारा मेरे विचारों के प्रतिकूल है। (His ideology is contrary to my thoughts.)

Using प्रतिकूल (Pratikūl) correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as an adjective. It does not change based on gender or number, making it relatively easy to use once you grasp the context. It typically functions in two ways: as an attributive adjective (placed before the noun) or as a predicative adjective (following a noun or pronoun). In formal Hindi, it often takes the postposition 'ke' when comparing one thing's favorability against another.

Attributive Usage: Directly qualifying a noun: 'Pratikūl paristhiti' (Adverse circumstance).

प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियों में भी उसने हार नहीं मानी। (Even in adverse circumstances, he did not give up.)

When you want to say something is 'unfavourable to' someone or something, you use the construction '[Noun] के प्रतिकूल' (ke pratikūl). This is a very common pattern in formal reports. For example, 'Yah nirnay kisānoñ ke pratikūl hai' (This decision is unfavourable to the farmers). Here, the 'ke' acts as a bridge, similar to 'to' or 'for' in English.

Comparative/Relational Usage: Using 'ke' to show who or what is affected: 'Mausam yātrā ke pratikūl hai' (The weather is unfavourable for the journey).

नया कानून छोटे व्यापारियों के प्रतिकूल साबित हुआ। (The new law proved to be unfavourable for small traders.)

Another common usage is in the phrase 'pratikūl prabhāv' (adverse impact). This is the standard way to talk about negative consequences in a professional setting. Instead of saying 'burā asar' (bad effect), which is more colloquial, 'pratikūl prabhāv' adds a layer of formality and precision. You will see this in environmental reports, medical studies, and social critiques.

प्रदूषण का बच्चों के स्वास्थ्य पर प्रतिकूल प्रभाव पड़ता है। (Pollution has an adverse effect on children's health.)

In summary, when using 'pratikūl', identify if you are describing a state (The weather is unfavourable) or an impact (It has an adverse effect). For the former, use it as a predicate adjective; for the latter, as an attributive adjective modifying 'prabhāv' or 'paristhiti'.

Formal Reporting: Often found in phrases like 'pratikūl parinām' (adverse results).

चुनाव के नतीजे पार्टी के लिए प्रतिकूल रहे। (The election results were unfavourable for the party.)

While you might not hear 'pratikūl' in a casual street conversation about a cricket match (where someone might just say 'mausam kharāb hai'), you will certainly hear it the moment you turn on the news or open a Hindi newspaper like Dainik Jagran or Navbharat Times. It is a staple of 'Samāchār' (News) Hindi. News anchors use it to discuss everything from weather warnings to international relations and stock market fluctuations. If there is a storm coming, the weather report will mention 'pratikūl mausam'. If a new government policy is being criticized, the opposition will call it 'janatā ke pratikūl' (against the people).

News Broadcasts: Standard term for describing negative conditions or impacts in journalism.

समाचार: 'सीमा पर प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियों के बावजूद सैनिक तैनात हैं।' (News: 'Despite adverse conditions at the border, soldiers are deployed.')

In the workplace, particularly in corporate or government offices in India, 'pratikūl' is used in official correspondence. If an employee's performance is being reviewed and it’s not positive, the report might mention 'pratikūl tippanī' (adverse remarks). In legal settings, a judge might refer to 'pratikūl sākshya' (adverse evidence). This register of Hindi is known as 'Kāryālayī Hindi' (Office Hindi), and 'pratikūl' is an essential component of it.

Legal and Official Docs: Used to denote opposition or negative findings in a formal capacity.

अदालत ने उनके खिलाफ प्रतिकूल फैसला सुनाया। (The court delivered an adverse judgment against him.)

Furthermore, in the field of education and competitive exams like the UPSC (Civil Services), candidates are expected to use words like 'pratikūl' instead of simpler synonyms to demonstrate their command over formal Hindi. If you are watching a Hindi documentary on climate change or social issues, you will hear it frequently used to describe the impact of global warming on agriculture ('kṛshi par pratikūl prabhāv'). It conveys a sense of seriousness that 'burā' simply cannot match.

Academic Lectures: Commonly used in discussions about sociology, economics, and science.

प्रोफेसर: 'समाज में बढ़ती असमानता के प्रतिकूल परिणाम हो सकते हैं।' (Professor: 'Increasing inequality in society can have adverse consequences.')

One of the most common mistakes learners make with प्रतिकूल (Pratikūl) is confusing it with its antonym, अनुकूल (Anukūl). Because they sound similar and are often taught together, students sometimes swap them. Remember: 'Anukūl' is 'A' for 'Acceptable/Advantageous' (Favourable), and 'Pratikūl' is 'P' for 'Problematic' (Unfavourable). Using 'anukūl' when you mean 'pratikūl' can completely flip the meaning of your sentence, turning a warning into a recommendation.

Confusion with Anukūl: Mistaking 'favourable' for 'unfavourable' due to phonetic similarity.

गलत: 'दवा का शरीर पर अनुकूल प्रभाव पड़ा।' (Wrong if you meant it made you sick.)

Another mistake is overusing it in very casual settings. If you tell your friend that the tea is 'pratikūl' because it's too cold, it will sound unnaturally formal or even sarcastic. For everyday 'bad' things, stick to 'kharāb' or 'burā'. Save 'pratikūl' for situations that involve conditions, impacts, or official stances. It’s a word that carries 'gravitas', and using it for trivial matters can make you sound like a textbook rather than a person.

Register Mismatch: Using a formal word in a highly informal, everyday context.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the postposition 'ke'. They might say 'yah mere liye pratikūl hai' (this is unfavourable for me), which is grammatically okay but less native-sounding than 'yah mere pratikūl hai'. In formal Hindi, the 'ke' is often omitted or replaced by the possessive form of the pronoun (mere, uske, hamāre). Understanding this subtle shift in phrasing will help you sound more like a native speaker at the B1-B2 level.

Postposition Errors: Incorrectly using 'ke liye' when a possessive pronoun or simple 'ke' is sufficient.

सही: 'यह निर्णय हमारे प्रतिकूल है।' (This decision is contrary to us.)

Hindi has several words that overlap with प्रतिकूल (Pratikūl), and choosing the right one depends on the nuance you want to convey. The most common alternative is विपरीत (Viprīt). While often used interchangeably, 'viprīt' literally means 'opposite' or 'contrary'. You use 'viprīt' when talking about directions or completely opposing views, whereas 'pratikūl' focuses on the harmful or unhelpful nature of that opposition. If a wind is blowing against you, it is 'viprīt', and because it makes your journey hard, it is 'pratikūl'.

Pratikūl vs. Viprīt: 'Pratikūl' implies disadvantage; 'Viprīt' implies direct opposition or being the reverse.

Another synonym is हानिकारक (Hānikārak), which means 'harmful' or 'damaging'. While 'pratikūl' describes a situation that is not helpful, 'hānikārak' specifically points to the damage caused. For example, 'smoking is hānikārak for health' is better than 'smoking is pratikūl for health', because smoking actively causes harm rather than just being an 'unfavourable condition'. Use 'pratikūl' for environments and 'hānikārak' for substances or actions that cause direct injury.

Pratikūl vs. Hānikārak: 'Pratikūl' is about conditions/impacts; 'Hānikārak' is about inherent toxicity or harm.

In more casual settings, you can use बुरा (Burā) or खराब (Kharāb). These are the workhorses of the Hindi language. 'Kharāb mausam' is what people say in daily life, while 'pratikūl mausam' is what they hear on the news. If you are a learner, start with 'kharāb' and 'burā', then graduate to 'pratikūl' when you want to sound more educated or when writing formal emails. Lastly, विरुद्ध (Viruddh) means 'against' or 'opposed to', often used in political or legal contexts (e.g., 'law against crime').

Pratikūl vs. Viruddh: 'Viruddh' is active opposition (against a person/law); 'Pratikūl' is situational unfavourability.

तुलना: 'वह मेरे विरुद्ध (against) है' बनाम 'परिस्थितियाँ मेरे प्रतिकूल (unfavourable) हैं'

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word originally described the physical act of a boat or water moving against the river bank, which was difficult and damaging. Over centuries, it became a metaphor for any situation that is difficult or contrary to one's path.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pɾə.t̪ɪˈkuːl/

US /prə.tɪˈkuːl/

The primary stress is on the last syllable 'kūl'.

Rhymes With

अनुकूल (Anukūl) फूल (Phūl) धूल (Dhūl) भूल (Bhūl) शूल (Shūl) मूल (Mūl) स्कूल (School - in Hindi loanword usage) मशगूल (Mashgūl)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 't' as an English alveolar 't' (like 'tea') instead of a dental 't' (tip of tongue against teeth).
Shortening the long 'ū' sound to a short 'u'.
Aspirating the 'p' (adding a puff of air) which is not done in Hindi.
Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
Merging the 'r' too much into the 'p', making it sound like 'patikul'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to spot in news and formal texts once learned.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of formal sentence structures.

Speaking 4/5

Can sound too formal if used in the wrong context.

Listening 3/5

Common in broadcasts; clear pronunciation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

बुरा (Bad) खराब (Spoiled) मौसम (Weather) परिस्थिति (Situation) विरुद्ध (Against)

Learn Next

अनुकूल (Favourable) प्रभाव (Effect) परिणाम (Result) विपरीत (Opposite) संवैधानिक (Constitutional)

Advanced

प्रतिकूलता (Adversity) विपन्नता (Destitution) प्रतिरोध (Resistance) विरोधाभास (Paradox) प्रतिक्रियावादी (Reactionary)

Grammar to Know

Invariable Adjectives

प्रतिकूल (Pratikūl) does not change to 'pratikūlī' for feminine nouns like 'परिस्थिति' (paristhiti).

Postposition 'Ke'

When comparing, use 'के प्रतिकूल' (ke pratikūl). Example: 'नियमों के प्रतिकूल' (against the rules).

Adjective-Noun Order

Usually precedes the noun: 'प्रतिकूल प्रभाव' (Adverse effect).

Predicative Use

Can follow the subject: 'परिस्थितियाँ प्रतिकूल हैं' (Conditions are adverse).

Compound Formation

Can be joined with nouns to form specific terms like 'प्रतिकूलता' (adversity).

Examples by Level

आज मौसम प्रतिकूल है।

Today the weather is unfavourable.

Simple subject + adjective + verb 'hai'.

यह मेरे लिए प्रतिकूल है।

This is unfavourable for me.

Using 'mere liye' (for me) with the adjective.

प्रतिकूल समय में धीरज रखो।

Keep patience in unfavourable times.

Adjective modifying the noun 'samay' (time).

परिस्थिति प्रतिकूल थी।

The situation was unfavourable.

Past tense 'thī' matching feminine 'paristhiti'.

क्या यह प्रतिकूल है?

Is this unfavourable?

Question form using 'kyā'.

वहाँ जाना प्रतिकूल हो सकता है।

Going there can be unfavourable.

Using 'ho saktā hai' (can be).

यह खाना स्वास्थ्य के लिए प्रतिकूल है।

This food is unfavourable for health.

Compound phrase 'swasthya ke liye'.

नदी का बहाव प्रतिकूल था।

The river's flow was contrary.

Literal use related to water flow.

भारी बारिश यात्रा के लिए प्रतिकूल है।

Heavy rain is unfavourable for travel.

Noun + ke liye + pratikul.

उसका व्यवहार मेरे प्रतिकूल था।

His behavior was contrary to me.

Using 'mere pratikul' (against me).

प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियों में काम करना कठिन है।

Working in adverse conditions is difficult.

Plural locative case 'paristhitiyoñ meñ'.

दवा का प्रभाव प्रतिकूल हो गया।

The medicine's effect became adverse.

Subject 'prabhav' + pratikul + ho gayā.

यह निर्णय हमारे प्रतिकूल है।

This decision is against us.

Possessive 'hamāre' + pratikul.

व्यापार के लिए बाज़ार प्रतिकूल है।

The market is unfavourable for business.

Topic-comment structure.

प्रतिकूल हवाओं के कारण विमान देर से आया।

The plane was late due to adverse winds.

'ke kāran' (due to) phrase.

खेल के लिए यह मैदान प्रतिकूल है।

This ground is unsuitable for the game.

'khel ke liye' (for the game).

बढ़ती गर्मी का फसलों पर प्रतिकूल प्रभाव पड़ रहा है।

Increasing heat is having an adverse effect on crops.

Standard 'pratikul prabhav' collocation.

प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियों में भी उसने अपनी पढ़ाई जारी रखी।

Even in adverse circumstances, he continued his studies.

Concessive clause using 'bhi'.

यह कानून छोटे उद्योगों के प्रतिकूल साबित हो सकता है।

This law could prove to be unfavourable for small industries.

'sābit ho saktā hai' (can prove to be).

डॉक्टर ने चेतावनी दी कि दवा के प्रतिकूल परिणाम हो सकते हैं।

The doctor warned that the medicine could have adverse results.

Reported speech using 'ki'.

चुनाव के परिणाम सत्ताधारी दल के प्रतिकूल रहे।

The election results were unfavourable for the ruling party.

Subject-verb agreement with 'rahe' (plural results).

प्रतिकूल टिप्पणियों के कारण उसकी पदोन्नति रुक गई।

His promotion stopped due to adverse remarks.

Cause and effect using 'ke kāran'.

क्या आपने दवा के प्रतिकूल प्रभावों के बारे में पढ़ा है?

Have you read about the adverse effects of the medicine?

Present perfect question.

वायु प्रदूषण का बच्चों के फेफड़ों पर प्रतिकूल असर होता है।

Air pollution has an adverse effect on children's lungs.

Use of 'asar' as a synonym for 'prabhav'.

वैश्विक मंदी के कारण निर्यात के लिए परिस्थितियाँ प्रतिकूल हैं।

Due to global recession, conditions for exports are unfavourable.

Complex sentence with multiple nouns.

न्यायालय ने साक्ष्यों के आधार पर प्रतिकूल फैसला सुनाया।

The court delivered an adverse judgment based on evidence.

Legal terminology 'faislā sunānā'.

सामाजिक मान्यताओं के प्रतिकूल जाना हमेशा कठिन होता है।

It is always difficult to go against social norms.

Infinitive 'jānā' used as a subject.

कंपनी को प्रतिकूल बाजार स्थितियों के कारण भारी नुकसान हुआ।

The company suffered heavy losses due to adverse market conditions.

Using 'bhārī nuksān' (heavy loss).

प्रतिकूल मौसम की चेतावनी के बावजूद पर्वतारोहियों ने चढ़ाई शुरू की।

Despite the adverse weather warning, the climbers started the ascent.

'ke bāvajūd' (despite) construction.

सरकार की नई नीति मध्यम वर्ग के हितों के प्रतिकूल है।

The government's new policy is contrary to the interests of the middle class.

Abstract noun 'hit' (interest).

प्रतिकूल टिप्पणियों को सकारात्मक रूप से लेना चाहिए।

One should take adverse remarks positively.

Passive/Impersonal 'chāhiye' construction.

पर्यावरण में हो रहे बदलाव जैव विविधता के लिए प्रतिकूल हैं।

Changes in the environment are unfavourable for biodiversity.

Scientific context.

यह कृत्य संवैधानिक मूल्यों के सर्वथा प्रतिकूल है।

This act is completely contrary to constitutional values.

Adverb 'sarvathā' (completely) modifying the adjective.

प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियों का सामना करना ही व्यक्तित्व को निखारता है।

Facing adverse circumstances is what refines one's personality.

Philosophical statement.

लेखक ने समाज की प्रतिकूल विचारधारा पर तीखा प्रहार किया है।

The author has made a sharp attack on the adverse ideology of society.

Literary analysis.

विदेशी निवेश के लिए देश का राजनीतिक वातावरण प्रतिकूल बना हुआ है।

The country's political environment remains unfavourable for foreign investment.

'banā huā hai' (remains/continues to be).

प्रतिकूल साक्ष्य होने के कारण अभियुक्त को जमानत नहीं मिली।

Due to adverse evidence, the accused did not get bail.

Legal context 'abhiyukt' (accused).

उसकी जीवनशैली उसके स्वास्थ्य लक्ष्यों के प्रतिकूल जा रही है।

His lifestyle is going contrary to his health goals.

Metaphorical 'jānā' (going).

ऐतिहासिक रूप से, यह संधि राष्ट्र के हितों के प्रतिकूल सिद्ध हुई।

Historically, this treaty proved to be contrary to the nation's interests.

Historical analysis.

प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियों में भी अडिग रहना ही वीरता है।

Staying firm even in adverse circumstances is true heroism.

High-register literary Hindi.

वैश्विक अर्थव्यवस्था के वर्तमान परिदृश्य में विकास की दर प्रतिकूल रहने की आशंका है।

In the current scenario of the global economy, the growth rate is feared to remain unfavourable.

Complex academic/economic structure.

प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियों के थपेड़ों ने उसे एक परिपक्व इंसान बना दिया।

The buffets of adverse circumstances made him a mature human being.

Metaphorical use of 'thapedoñ' (buffets/slaps).

न्यायपालिका को यह सुनिश्चित करना होगा कि कोई भी अध्यादेश मौलिक अधिकारों के प्रतिकूल न हो।

The judiciary must ensure that no ordinance is contrary to fundamental rights.

Subjunctive mood 'na ho'.

प्रतिकूल जलवायु परिवर्तन के दीर्घकालिक प्रभाव विनाशकारी हो सकते हैं।

The long-term effects of adverse climate change can be catastrophic.

Technical scientific report style.

उनकी दलीलें स्थापित वैज्ञानिक सिद्धांतों के पूर्णतः प्रतिकूल थीं।

Their arguments were entirely contrary to established scientific principles.

Use of 'pūrṇataḥ' (entirely).

प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियों का दंश झेलते हुए भी उसने अपनी नैतिकता नहीं खोई।

While enduring the sting of adverse circumstances, he did not lose his morality.

Poetic 'dañsh jhelte hue' (enduring the sting).

इस शोध के निष्कर्ष पूर्ववर्ती धारणाओं के प्रतिकूल प्रतीत होते हैं।

The findings of this research seem to be contrary to previous assumptions.

'pratīt hote haiñ' (seem to be).

प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियों का चक्रव्यूह भेदना ही जीवन का असली संघर्ष है।

Breaking through the labyrinth of adverse circumstances is the real struggle of life.

Cultural reference to 'Chakravyūh' (labyrinth).

Synonyms

विपरीत हानिकारक खराब बुरा विरुद्ध अशुभ अनुपयुक्त उलटा

Antonyms

अनुकूल सहायक लाभदायक सुखद

Common Collocations

प्रतिकूल मौसम

प्रतिकूल परिस्थिति

प्रतिकूल प्रभाव

प्रतिकूल परिणाम

प्रतिकूल टिप्पणी

प्रतिकूल साक्ष्य

प्रतिकूल विचारधारा

प्रतिकूल निर्णय

प्रतिकूल समय

प्रतिकूल हवा

Common Phrases

प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियों में

— In adverse circumstances. Used to describe someone's struggle or resilience.

उसने प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियों में अपनी पहचान बनाई।

के प्रतिकूल होना

— To be contrary to something. Used for comparisons or stances.

यह कानून हमारे हितों के प्रतिकूल है।

प्रतिकूल प्रभाव पड़ना

— To have an adverse effect. Standard medical or social phrase.

शोर का बच्चों की पढ़ाई पर प्रतिकूल प्रभाव पड़ता है।

प्रतिकूल निर्णय सुनाना

— To deliver an adverse judgment. Legal context.

न्यायाधीश ने आरोपी के प्रतिकूल निर्णय सुनाया।

प्रतिकूल मौसम की चेतावनी

— Adverse weather warning. Formal news term.

मौसम विभाग ने प्रतिकूल मौसम की चेतावनी जारी की है।

प्रतिकूल टिप्पणी करना

— To make an adverse remark. Professional context.

बॉस ने मेरे काम पर प्रतिकूल टिप्पणी की।

प्रतिकूल साबित होना

— To prove to be unfavourable. Used for outcomes.

नया व्यापार उसके लिए प्रतिकूल साबित हुआ।

प्रतिकूल वातावरण

— Hostile or unfavourable environment.

पौधों के लिए यह प्रतिकूल वातावरण है।

प्रतिकूल परिणाम भुगतना

— To suffer adverse consequences.

उसे अपनी गलती के प्रतिकूल परिणाम भुगतने पड़े।

प्रतिकूल प्रतिक्रिया

— Adverse reaction. Used in medicine or social media.

टीके की कोई प्रतिकूल प्रतिक्रिया नहीं हुई।

Often Confused With

प्रतिकूल vs अनुकूल (Anukūl)

This is the exact opposite (favourable). Learners often swap them.

प्रतिकूल vs विपरीत (Viprīt)

Viprīt means opposite in direction or stance, while Pratikūl means unfavourable/harmful.

प्रतिकूल vs प्रतिक्रिया (Pratikriyā)

This is a noun meaning 'reaction', not an adjective meaning 'unfavourable'.

Idioms & Expressions

"धारा के प्रतिकूल बहना"

— To swim against the tide. To do something contrary to the norm.

समाज सुधारक हमेशा धारा के प्रतिकूल बहते हैं।

Literary

"प्रतिकूल पवन चलना"

— To face unfavorable winds. To experience a period of bad luck or opposition.

आजकल उसके व्यापार में प्रतिकूल पवन चल रही है।

Poetic

"समय का प्रतिकूल होना"

— Time being against someone. Facing a period of hardship.

जब समय प्रतिकूल हो, तो चुप रहना ही बेहतर है।

General

"किस्मत का प्रतिकूल होना"

— Fate being unfavourable. Bad luck.

उसकी किस्मत ही उसके प्रतिकूल थी।

Informal

"प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियों का सामना करना"

— To face adverse circumstances. A common expression for resilience.

सफल लोग प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियों का डटकर सामना करते हैं।

Neutral

"प्रतिकूल हवाओं का रुख"

— The direction of adverse winds. Referring to changing trends that are not helpful.

राजनीति में प्रतिकूल हवाओं का रुख पहचानना जरूरी है।

Journalistic

"प्रतिकूल टिप्पणियों की बौछार"

— A shower of adverse remarks. Facing heavy criticism.

नेता जी को जनता की प्रतिकूल टिप्पणियों की बौछार झेलनी पड़ी।

Informal

"प्रतिकूल प्रभाव की चपेट में आना"

— To fall into the grip of adverse effects.

कई गाँव बाढ़ के प्रतिकूल प्रभाव की चपेट में आ गए।

News

"प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियों का चक्रव्यूह"

— A labyrinth of adverse circumstances. Feeling trapped in problems.

वह प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियों के चक्रव्यूह में फंस गया है।

Literary

"प्रतिकूल साक्ष्यों के घेरे में"

— Surrounded by adverse evidence. Facing legal trouble.

मंत्री जी प्रतिकूल साक्ष्यों के घेरे में हैं।

Legal/News

Easily Confused

प्रतिकूल vs प्रतिकार (Pratikār)

Sounds similar.

Pratikār means revenge or retaliation, while Pratikūl is an adjective for unfavourable conditions.

उसने अपमान का प्रतिकार किया (He took revenge for the insult).

प्रतिकूल vs विरुद्ध (Viruddh)

Both mean 'against'.

Viruddh is used for active opposition (against a person/law). Pratikūl is used for situational adversity.

वह मेरे विरुद्ध खड़ा है (He is standing against me).

प्रतिकूल vs हानिकारक (Hānikārak)

Both imply something negative.

Hānikārak means 'harmful' (causes damage). Pratikūl means 'unfavourable' (not helpful/hostile).

जहर हानिकारक है (Poison is harmful).

प्रतिकूल vs अशुभ (Ashubh)

Both relate to bad outcomes.

Ashubh is about bad luck or omens (superstitious/cultural). Pratikūl is about objective conditions.

बिल्ली का रास्ता काटना अशुभ माना जाता है।

प्रतिकूल vs कठिन (Kathin)

Adverse situations are usually difficult.

Kathin means 'hard/difficult' (effort-based). Pratikūl means 'unfavourable' (environment-based).

यह सवाल कठिन है (This question is difficult).

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] प्रतिकूल है।

मौसम प्रतिकूल है।

[Noun] [Target] के प्रतिकूल है।

यह दवा स्वास्थ्य के प्रतिकूल है।

प्रतिकूल [Noun] के कारण [Result] हुआ।

प्रतिकूल मौसम के कारण मैच रद्द हुआ।

[Subject] का [Target] पर प्रतिकूल प्रभाव पड़ा।

बदलाव का व्यापार पर प्रतिकूल प्रभाव पड़ा।

प्रतिकूल [Noun] के बावजूद [Action]।

प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियों के बावजूद उसने जीत हासिल की।

[Concept] [Ideal] के सर्वथा प्रतिकूल प्रतीत होता है।

यह कृत्य नैतिकता के सर्वथा प्रतिकूल प्रतीत होता है।

यदि परिस्थितियाँ प्रतिकूल हों तो...

यदि परिस्थितियाँ प्रतिकूल हों तो योजना बदल दें।

[Decision] [Group] के हितों के प्रतिकूल है।

यह फैसला मजदूरों के हितों के प्रतिकूल है।

Word Family

Nouns

प्रतिकूलता (Pratikūltā) - Adversity/Unfavourableness

Verbs

प्रतिकूल होना (Pratikūl honā) - To be unfavourable

प्रतिकूल बनाना (Pratikūl banānā) - To make unfavourable

Adjectives

प्रतिकूल (Pratikūl) - Unfavourable

प्रतिक्रिया (Pratikriyā) - Reaction

प्रतिरोध (Pratirodh) - Resistance

विपरीत (Viprīt) - Opposite

अनुकूल (Anukūl) - Favourable

प्रतिकार (Pratikār) - Retaliation

How to Use It

frequency

High in formal/written Hindi; Medium-Low in casual spoken Hindi.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Pratikuli' for feminine nouns. → Pratikul
Pratikul is an invariable adjective; it doesn't change for gender.
Confusing 'Pratikul' with 'Anukul'. → Pratikul (for bad), Anukul (for good).
Learners often mix up these two opposites because they sound similar.
Saying 'Pratikul mausam hai' for a broken umbrella. → Kharāb chātā.
Pratikul is for conditions/environments, not for broken physical objects.
Using 'Pratikul' for a 'bad person'. → Burā aadmi.
Pratikul describes situations or effects, not the moral character of a person.
Pronouncing 'Pratikul' with a short 'u'. → Prati-kūūl.
The 'u' is long (matra is 'badi u'). Shortening it changes the sound significantly.

Tips

The 'P' Rule

Remember P for Pratikul = Problematic. If the conditions are pratikul, you have a problem.

No Gender Change

Don't try to make it feminine. 'Pratikul' works for everything. It is a steady, unchanging adjective.

News Watch

Watch the weather segment on Hindi news. You will almost certainly hear 'pratikul mausam' at least once.

Pair with Anukul

Learn 'Anukul' and 'Pratikul' together. They are like the two sides of a coin for favorability.

Formalize Your Essays

Whenever you want to write 'bad effect', use 'pratikul prabhav'. It instantly raises the level of your writing.

Dental 'T'

Make sure your tongue touches your teeth when saying the 'ti' in Pratikul. It's not a hard 'T'.

Courtroom Hindi

In legal dramas or news, listen for 'pratikul faisla'. It means the verdict went against the person.

Side Effects

In medical leaflets in Hindi, look for 'pratikul pratikriya' (adverse reaction).

Motivational Phrases

Use 'pratikul paristhiti' to describe challenges you've overcome. It sounds very inspiring.

Pratikul vs Viprit

Use 'Viprit' for 'opposite' (like North vs South) and 'Pratikul' for 'unfavourable' (like bad weather).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'P' in Pratikūl as 'Problematic'. If a situation is Pratikūl, it is a problem for you because it's against you.

Visual Association

Imagine a boat trying to row toward a shore, but the waves and wind are pushing it away. That 'pushing away' force is Pratikūl.

Word Web

Adverse Unfavourable Against Hostile Contrary Harmful Mausam (Weather) Paristhiti (Situation)

Challenge

Try to use 'Pratikūl' in a sentence today to describe something that didn't go your way, like the traffic or a slow internet connection.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit word 'प्रतिकूल' (pratikūla). It is a Tatpurusha compound consisting of 'prati' and 'kūla'.

Original meaning: Literally 'against the bank' (of a river). 'Prati' means towards/against and 'kūla' means shore/bank.

Indo-Aryan (Sanskrit branch).

Cultural Context

It is a neutral, formal word with no offensive connotations. It is safe to use in any formal or academic setting.

English speakers might find it similar to 'adverse' or 'contrary'. It is less common in speech than 'bad' but essential for reading news.

Used in Hindi news headlines daily (e.g., 'Mausam pratikul'). Found in the preamble of some Hindi legal documents. Commonly used in motivational Hindi speeches about overcoming 'pratikul' times.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather Reports

प्रतिकूल मौसम
चेतावनी जारी करना
भारी बारिश
उड़ानें बाधित

Health and Medicine

प्रतिकूल प्रभाव
दुष्प्रभाव
स्वास्थ्य के लिए
डॉक्टर की सलाह

Legal and Court

प्रतिकूल फैसला
साक्ष्य
अदालत का रुख
अपील करना

Business and Economics

प्रतिकूल बाजार
आर्थिक मंदी
घाटा होना
निवेश के लिए

Personal Life/Resilience

प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियाँ
सामना करना
हार न मानना
धैर्य रखना

Conversation Starters

"क्या आपको लगता है कि आज का मौसम बाहर जाने के लिए प्रतिकूल है?"

"अगर परिस्थितियाँ प्रतिकूल हों, तो आप क्या करते हैं?"

"क्या इस दवा का कोई प्रतिकूल प्रभाव हो सकता है?"

"क्या यह नया नियम हमारे व्यापार के प्रतिकूल साबित होगा?"

"प्रतिकूल समय में आप खुद को कैसे प्रेरित करते हैं?"

Journal Prompts

एक ऐसी घटना के बारे में लिखें जब आपके लिए परिस्थितियाँ बिल्कुल प्रतिकूल थीं, लेकिन आपने हार नहीं मानी।

क्या आपको लगता है कि प्रतिकूल समय इंसान को मजबूत बनाता है? अपने विचार विस्तार से लिखें।

आज के समाचारों में कौन सी ऐसी खबरें थीं जो देश के विकास के लिए प्रतिकूल लग रही हैं?

अगर आपको किसी प्रतिकूल निर्णय का सामना करना पड़े, तो आपकी पहली प्रतिक्रिया क्या होगी?

प्रतिकूल मौसम और हमारे मानसिक स्वास्थ्य के बीच संबंध पर एक छोटा लेख लिखें।

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'Pratikūl' is an invariable adjective. It remains the same whether the noun is masculine (like 'mausam') or feminine (like 'paristhiti'). For example: 'Pratikūl mausam' and 'Pratikūl paristhiti'.

Generally, no. You wouldn't say a person is 'pratikūl'. You would use 'viruddh' (against) or 'shatrutāpūrṇ' (hostile). However, you can say their 'vyavahār' (behavior) or 'vichārdhārā' (ideology) is 'pratikūl' to yours.

'Burā' is a general word for 'bad'. 'Pratikūl' is more specific and formal, meaning 'unfavourable' or 'working against a goal'. Use 'burā' for a bad person or a bad taste, and 'pratikūl' for bad weather or bad economic conditions.

It is less common in casual speech. In a conversation with friends, people usually say 'kharāb' or 'burā'. However, in any formal discussion, news report, or office meeting, 'pratikūl' is very common.

The standard phrase is 'प्रतिकूल प्रभाव' (Pratikūl prabhav). You can also say 'दुष्प्रभाव' (dushprabhāv), but 'pratikūl prabhav' is very common in medical and social contexts.

Yes, it is a 'Tatsama' word, which means it is borrowed directly from Sanskrit into Hindi without changing its spelling. This is why it sounds formal.

The opposite is 'Anukūl' (अनुकूल), which means favourable or conducive. They are often taught as a pair.

Usually, you say '[Noun] के प्रतिकूल' (ke pratikūl). For example, 'Swaasthya ke pratikūl' (Contrary to health). 'Pratikūl ke liye' is generally not used.

It is a long 'u' sound, like in the English word 'moon' or 'pool'. Make sure to hold it slightly longer than a short 'u'.

You should start recognizing it at A2, but you should aim to start using it actively in your writing and formal speaking at the B1 level.