an unwise move

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Three particular sentences also seem an unwise move from Murakami.

The Guardian - Books

Vocally, it was an unwise move that strained her voice.

The New York Times

It is an unwise move with potentially damaging ramifications.

The New York Times

It looked like an unwise move until receiver Isaac Bruce went to work.

The New York Times - Sports

People around me thought it was an unwise move to make, especially my wife.

The New York Times - Sports

For someone who is trying to repair his image after his heavily criticized departure last summer, it was probably an unwise move.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

We'll only know the answer on Saturday night, but all the evidence suggests that backing against Atletico Madrid would be an extremely unwise move.

BBC

CBS and Norman Lear got word of this and quickly convinced the chain that this would be a very unwise move.

Los Angeles Times

This is an unpopular and unwise move.

The New Yorker

While demands for more QE may increase if weak growth continues, we believe more QE would be a risky and unwise move.

The Guardian - Business

To have picked differently would have been an unwise strategic move taken solely to pretend that the weakness didn't exist.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an unwise move", consider the specific negative consequence you want to emphasize. A more specific phrase might be more impactful.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on generic phrases like "an unwise move". Vary your language by using more descriptive and context-specific alternatives like "a strategic blunder" or "a regrettable decision" to convey the nuances of the situation more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unwise move" functions as a noun phrase, where "unwise" is an adjective modifying the noun "move". It describes a specific action or decision, qualifying it as lacking in wisdom or prudence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an unwise move" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a decision or action lacking in prudence. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. While generally neutral in tone, its impact can be enhanced by using more specific alternatives that reflect the precise nature of the error. In order to improve your communication is better to select a more descriptive choice that suit the situation. When using this expression keep in mind that it's best suited for news, media and formal business settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a poor choice

A simple and direct way to express that the selection was not ideal.

a foolish action

Emphasizes the lack of intelligence or good sense in the action.

a regrettable decision

Highlights the feeling of sorrow or disappointment associated with the decision.

an imprudent step

Focuses on the lack of caution or foresight in the action.

a misguided effort

Suggests that the effort was based on faulty judgment or reasoning.

an ill-advised course of action

Implies that the action was taken without proper consultation or consideration.

a strategic blunder

Emphasizes the negative impact on a larger plan or strategy.

a tactical error

Focuses on a mistake made in the execution of a plan.

a calamitous step

Highlights the disastrous consequences of the action.

a counterproductive measure

Indicates that the action had the opposite of the intended effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "an unwise move" to describe a decision or action that is likely to have negative consequences. For example, "Investing all your savings in a single stock can be seen as "an unwise move"".

What are some alternatives to "an unwise move"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a poor choice", "a foolish action", or "a regrettable decision".

When is it appropriate to use "an unwise move"?

It's appropriate to use "an unwise move" when you want to express that a particular action or decision was not well-considered and is likely to lead to negative outcomes. It suits situations where the lack of wisdom is the key aspect you want to highlight.

Is "an unwise move" a formal or informal expression?

"An unwise move" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more specific alternatives might be preferable in highly formal writing. In certain professional writing it's more suitable using "an imprudent step".