'unpropitious' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'propitius,' where 'pro-' meant 'for' and 'petere' meant 'to seek.'

'propitius' transformed into the French word 'propice,' and eventually became the modern English word 'propitious' through Middle English, with 'un-' added to form 'unpropitious.'

Initially, it meant 'not seeking favor,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'not favorable or likely to produce a good result.'