'inclement' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'inclementem,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'clemens' meant 'mild or gentle.'

'inclementem' transformed into the French word 'inclément,' and eventually became the modern English word 'inclement' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'not mild or gentle,' and over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'unpleasantly cold or wet.'