Inclementness vs Inclemency: Which Word Fits the Weather
Inclemency is the correct, widely accepted noun for harsh weather; inclementness is a rarely used variant.
Writers reach for “inclementness” when they want to sound more formal, but spell-check flags it, pushing them back to the shorter, trusted “inclemency.”
Key Differences
Inclemency is the dictionary-listed form. Inclementness is longer, clunky, and usually seen only in older texts or creative experiments.
Which One Should You Choose?
For weather reports, essays, or forecasts, pick inclemency. It sounds natural and avoids awkward double suffixes.
Examples and Daily Life
“The hikers postponed the trip due to inclemency” reads smoothly; “due to inclementness” feels forced.
Is inclementness ever correct?
Technically yes, but it’s so uncommon that editors routinely swap it out.
Can I use inclemency for non-weather issues?
Yes, metaphorically—e.g., “inclemency of tone”—though weather remains the primary use.
Does inclemency have a plural?
Yes: inclemencies, though it’s rarely needed.