ill-advised decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ill-advised decision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a choice or action that is considered unwise or poorly thought out. Example: "The board made an ill-advised decision to cut funding for the project, which ultimately led to its failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

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

When using "ill-advised decision", consider the context and ensure it accurately reflects the degree of foolishness or lack of foresight involved. It's stronger than simply saying a decision was "bad" or "wrong".

Common error

While "ill-advised decision" is acceptable, be cautious about overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. In such contexts, consider more nuanced alternatives like "imprudent action" or "untenable judgment" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ill-advised decision" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "ill-advised" modifies the noun "decision". It is frequently used to describe a course of action or choice that is considered unwise or imprudent. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ill-advised decision" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe an unwise or poorly thought-out choice. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It functions as a noun phrase, conveying disapproval and criticism regarding a specific decision. Predominantly found in News & Media, it maintains a neutral register, suitable for various communication scenarios. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "unwise choice" or "poor judgment". Be mindful of the context when using this phrase and avoid overuse in highly formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ill-considered measure

This alternative is nearly synonymous, but it specifically applies to planned actions.

unwise choice

This alternative is a more general term, lacking the specific connotation of potential negative consequences.

poor judgment

This alternative emphasizes the lack of good sense in the decision.

imprudent action

This alternative suggests a lack of foresight and caution.

questionable call

This alternative suggests the decision is open to doubt or criticism.

foolish move

This alternative implies a lack of intelligence or common sense in the action.

rash step

This alternative highlights the impulsive nature of the decision.

misguided approach

This alternative focuses on the flawed direction or strategy of the decision.

unthinking act

This alternative emphasizes the lack of consideration before the action was taken.

unfortunate determination

This alternative emphasizes the negative outcome of the decision.

FAQs

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

You can use "ill-advised decision" to describe a choice or action that is considered unwise or poorly thought out. For example, "The company's "ill-advised decision" to invest in that venture led to significant financial losses."

What are some synonyms for "ill-advised decision"?

Alternatives to "ill-advised decision" include "unwise choice", "poor judgment", or "imprudent action". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "ill-advised decision" formal or informal?

"Ill-advised decision" falls in the neutral to slightly formal register. It's suitable for news articles, reports, and general writing. However, in highly formal contexts, consider using a more elevated synonym.

What makes a decision "ill-advised"?

A decision is considered "ill-advised" when it's made without sufficient thought, foresight, or consideration of potential negative consequences. It implies a lack of prudence or wisdom.