Antonym – Choose the option that best expresses the opposite meaning of the highlighted word/phrase in the sentence below. Sentence: The atmosphere in the institute he had newly joined was “congenial to” research. Target phrase: congenial to (meaning: suitable/agreeable/encouraging for)

Introduction / Context:
Congenial to means well-suited, agreeable, or favorable for a purpose. The sentence asserts that the institute’s environment supported research; we must pick a phrase that expresses the opposite—an environment that does not suit or support research aims.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target phrase: congenial to = suitable/agreeable to.
• Domain: fit or suitability for research.
• Options: several negative adjectives with different shades of meaning.

Concept / Approach:
Select the antonym that inverts suitability itself, not merely comfort or pleasantness. Unsuitable for explicitly reverses suitability, making it the most direct opposite of congenial to in a purpose-fit context. Disagreeable/unpleasant focus on personal feelings; inconvenient concerns ease, not intrinsic fit.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Replace in sentence: “was unsuitable for research” perfectly reverses the original claim and maintains formal tone.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• disagreeable for: Emphasizes dislike, not lack of fit.
• inconvenient for: About practical hassle; environment could still be suitable.
• unpleasant for: About discomfort, not purpose mismatch.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating “pleasant/unpleasant” with “suitable/unsuitable.” Suitability is about enabling the goal; it is distinct from comfort.

Final Answer:
unsuitable for