an unwise choice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unwise choice" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a decision that is not considered to be wise or prudent. Example: "Choosing to invest all your savings in a single stock can be seen as an unwise choice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

But perhaps Eyak was an unwise choice.

The Guardian

However, Fanning said Batten had appointed Robinson as an adviser without informing the NEC, describing this as "an unwise choice".

The Guardian

Or, she may have made an unwise choice, giving into desires she could have resisted because she underestimated how unyielding the world would be.

The New Yorker

Judge Nancy G. Edmunds of Federal District Court said it was an "unwise" choice, but she granted his request to face terror-related charges on his own.

The New York Times

Two Norths were favored with a club lead away from the king, which was an unwise choice, given that North had opened with a strong no-trump.

The New York Times

Do Ms. Rudoren's personal musings, as they have seeped out in unfiltered social media posts (and, notably, have been criticized from both the right and the left), make her an unwise choice for this crucially important job?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

For someone aspiring to be the adviser and protégé of one of the more powerful worldly rulers, it was therefore a not unwise choice to write such a book.

SEP

This jaunty story - an unusually musical domestic pet, an actress's unwise choice of upper clothing - was offered as reward and relief, like a sorbet at the end of a meal of strong meat.

The Guardian - Opinion

You couldn't make it up," the writer pompously cried, noting that having a judge that was simultaneously a woman, a poet and of Caribbean parentage was an "unusual" and "unwise" choice.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Sadequee's family members passed him a note through his former lawyer urging him not to represent himself, and Judge Bill Duffey of Federal District Court told him it was a "very, very unwise choice," but Mr. Sadequee, who has pleaded not guilty, told the judge he was "prepared enough".

The New York Times

He makes the possibly unwise choice of "A Change of Sky," a portentous song by Philip Springer.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an unwise choice", ensure the context clearly explains why the choice is considered unwise. Providing specific reasons or consequences strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the negative consequences of "an unwise choice". Present a balanced perspective, acknowledging potential mitigating factors or alternative viewpoints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unwise choice" functions as a noun phrase, where "unwise" is an adjective modifying the noun "choice". It describes a decision or option that is not considered to be sensible or prudent. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an unwise choice" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's utilized to denote decisions perceived as imprudent or lacking foresight. Predominantly found in News & Media, but also in scientific literature and encyclopedic contexts, its neutral tone renders it adaptable to diverse writing styles. While interchangeable with alternatives like "a poor decision" or "an imprudent decision", it's crucial to provide context when employing the phrase, clarifying the reasons for its perceived lack of wisdom. Steer clear of exaggeration when discussing its implications, ensuring a balanced representation of the decision's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an imprudent decision

Replaces "unwise" with its direct synonym "imprudent", maintaining the formal tone.

a poor decision

Replaces "unwise" with "poor", focusing on the negative quality of the decision.

a regrettable choice

Emphasizes the feeling of regret associated with the choice.

an ill-advised selection

Uses more formal vocabulary to convey the imprudence of the selection.

a misguided option

Highlights that the option was based on flawed judgment or understanding.

an injudicious selection

Indicates a lack of good judgment in the selection process.

a shortsighted choice

Focuses on the lack of foresight that led to the poor decision.

a thoughtless decision

Highlights the lack of careful consideration behind the choice.

a foolish pick

Uses a more informal term, "foolish", to describe the poor selection.

a bad call

An informal way to say a wrong decision has been made.

FAQs

How can I use "an unwise choice" in a sentence?

You can use "an unwise choice" to describe a decision that has negative consequences or lacks good judgment. For example: "Investing all your savings in a risky venture was "an unwise choice"."

What are some alternatives to saying "an unwise choice"?

Alternatives include "a poor decision", "a regrettable choice", or "an imprudent decision", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "unwise decision" or "an unwise choice"?

Both "unwise decision" and ""an unwise choice"" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often depends on personal preference and stylistic considerations.

What makes a decision "an unwise choice"?

A decision can be considered ""an unwise choice"" if it is based on poor judgment, incomplete information, or a failure to consider potential negative consequences. It often leads to unfavorable outcomes.