categorically unwise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "categorically unwise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decision or action that is considered unwise in a definitive or absolute manner. Example: "Investing all your savings in a single venture is categorically unwise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Therefore, it would be categorically unwise to assume anything nor underestimate the power of the dark side of the Interweb.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

(Very unwise).

The New York Times - Arts

"Categorically not.

The Guardian

Yes categorically.

The Guardian

Categorically no".

The Guardian

Unwise, Says Prosecutor.

The New York Times

Categorically, yes.

The Guardian

No. Categorically.

The New York Times - Magazine

Sounds unwise.

The Guardian - Opinion

Chadwick says categorically not.

Independent

"We say so categorically".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "categorically unwise" to express a strong, definitive judgment that something is not a good idea. It implies that there's little to no room for debate on the matter.

Common error

Avoid using "categorically unwise" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase has a formal tone and is better suited for professional or academic contexts where a strong, authoritative statement is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "categorically unwise" functions as an adverb-adjective combination to emphatically describe something as lacking wisdom. It intensifies the adjective "unwise" with the adverb "categorically", indicating a firm and absolute judgment. This is confirmed by Ludwig, which finds the phrase to be correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Categorically unwise" is a phrase used to express a strong, definitive judgment that something lacks wisdom. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While grammatically sound, its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts to convey strong disapproval. Alternative phrases, such as "absolutely foolish" or "patently ill-advised", offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using this phrase, consider the formality of the context, as it's better suited for professional or academic settings rather than casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Decidedly unwise

Similar to the original, but with a slightly different emphasis on the decisiveness of the lack of wisdom.

Absolutely foolish

Emphasizes the lack of intelligence or reason behind an action or decision.

Undeniably imprudent

Highlights the lack of foresight and potential negative consequences.

Patently ill-advised

Stresses the obvious nature of the poor advice or decision.

Clearly injudicious

Focuses on the lack of good judgment and discretion.

Utterly misguided

Focuses on the flawed thinking and direction behind the action.

Downright asinine

Emphasizes the silliness and lack of intelligence of the act.

Simply not smart

Uses a more straightforward and less formal tone to convey the lack of wisdom.

Entirely unreasonable

Stresses the lack of logic and rationale behind the decision.

Positively reckless

Highlights the potential danger and disregard for consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "categorically unwise" in a sentence?

You can use "categorically unwise" to describe decisions or actions that are definitively not a good idea. For example, "Investing all your savings in a single speculative venture is "categorically unwise"."

What are some alternatives to "categorically unwise"?

Alternatives include "absolutely foolish", "undeniably imprudent", or "patently ill-advised". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "categorically unwise" or "simply unwise"?

"Categorically unwise" emphasizes the definiteness and strength of the judgment. "Simply unwise" is a milder way of saying something is not a good idea. The choice depends on how strongly you want to express your opinion.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "categorically unwise"?

Use "categorically unwise" in situations where you want to express a firm, authoritative opinion that something is not a good idea. It is most appropriate in formal or professional settings.