Ill-advised decision

USAGE SUMMARY

"ill-advised decision" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a choice that is considered unwise or poorly thought out. Example: "The company's ill-advised decision to cut costs led to a decline in product quality." Alternative expressions include "poor decision" and "unwise choice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

It was not his only ill-advised decision.

The New York Times - Sports

"She made an ill-advised decision to share that picture with her boyfriend.

The New York Times

Tony Carter had an opportunistic pick-six off an ill-advised decision by Newton.

The New York Times

This was the sort of crass, financially motivated, ill-advised decision no gardener would ever make.

The New York Times

Yet in choosing how to present this wealth of material, the editors have made an ill-advised decision.

The New York Times - Books

The manner and impact of this ill-advised decision will bedevil British-French relations for years to come.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Yet even Britain's "competent" leaders sometimes made fatefully ill-advised decisions.

The Guardian - Business

As a result of this and other ill-advised decisions, the war is in danger of being lost, and my beloved military is being run into the ground.

The New York Times

The recent decision by the Obama administration to place onerous conditions and limitations on visits by lawyers with their clients detained at Guantánamo Bay is reminiscent of such ill-advised decisions.

The New York Times

Four more years of this administration means more outsized deficits and a deepening of the national debt, more ill-advised decisions in the international arena, a gutting of environmental protections and the appointment of one or more archconservative Supreme Court justices.

The New York Times

His star might be somewhat dimmer now, thanks to some ill-advised decisions, but he's set to shoot back to the top thanks to a role in DC's latest, Suicide Squad.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ill-advised decision" to describe choices that are not only unwise but also show a lack of careful planning or consultation. It often implies a disregard for potential negative consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "ill-advised decision" when the problem is simply a lack of information. "Ill-advised" suggests the decision was based on poor judgment or disregard for advice, not necessarily a lack of data. If the decision-maker lacked information, 'uninformed decision' is more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ill-advised decision" functions as an adjective modifying a noun, specifically describing the quality of the 'decision'. It indicates that the decision was poorly considered and likely to lead to negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ill-advised decision" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to describe a poorly considered choice. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is particularly prevalent in News & Media, Academia, and Science. The phrase carries a neutral to professional tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's crucial to differentiate it from similar terms like "uninformed decision", focusing on the poor judgment rather than just a lack of information. Consider alternative phrases like "unwise choice" or "poor judgment" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unwise choice

Replaces 'ill-advised' with 'unwise', focusing solely on the lack of wisdom in the decision.

poor judgment

Shifts the focus from the advising aspect to the quality of the judgment exercised.

ill-considered action

Focuses on the lack of thorough thinking or deliberation before taking the action.

imprudent action

Substitutes 'decision' with 'action', highlighting the act itself as lacking foresight.

foolhardy move

Emphasizes the recklessness and potential danger associated with the decision.

rash step

Highlights the impulsiveness and lack of careful consideration in the decision.

unfortunate determination

Focuses on the negative outcome or consequences of the decision.

misguided plan

Implies that the underlying strategy or intention behind the decision was flawed.

unthinking act

Highlights the absence of careful thought and reflection in the action taken.

bad call

A more informal and direct way of saying it was a poor decision.

FAQs

How can I use "ill-advised decision" in a sentence?

You can use "ill-advised decision" to describe choices that seem unwise or poorly planned, such as: "The company's ill-advised decision to cut marketing expenses led to a significant drop in sales." or "His ill-advised decision to invest all his savings in a single stock proved disastrous."

What are some alternatives to "ill-advised decision"?

Some alternatives to "ill-advised decision" include "unwise choice", "poor judgment", or "imprudent action". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What makes a decision "ill-advised" as opposed to simply "bad"?

An "ill-advised decision" suggests a choice that was not only poor but also made against counsel or without proper consideration of potential negative consequences. It implies a degree of recklessness or disregard for available advice, unlike a simply "bad" decision which may just be the result of unforeseen circumstances.

Is "ill-advised decision" formal or informal language?

"Ill-advised decision" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While not overly technical, it maintains a level of professionalism appropriate for news articles, academic papers, and business reports.