ill-conceived

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ill-conceived" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe an idea, plan, or project that is poorly thought out or lacking in good judgment. Example: "The proposal was ultimately rejected because it was deemed ill-conceived and impractical."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's an ill-conceived idea.

The New York Times - Sports

Very occasionally the food was ill-conceived.

The New York Times

It is unfounded, ill-conceived, and illegal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even that basic maneuver was ill-conceived.

The New York Times

"Ill-conceived" a Variety review stated.

The New York Times - Arts

"That's an ill-conceived suggestion," Mr. Green said.

The New York Times

Ill-conceived or -executed policies can easily backfire.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, "strategic" is often a euphemism for "ill-conceived".

The New Yorker

And so Kataria pursued one ill-conceived venture after another.

The New Yorker

Nor are ill-conceived "shovel ready" construction projects an answer.

The Guardian - Opinion

I think the whole scheme ultimately was probably ill-conceived.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ill-conceived", ensure the context clearly explains why the plan or idea is flawed. Provide specific examples or reasons to support your assertion for greater impact.

Common error

Avoid using "ill-conceived" as a generic insult. Always provide a clear and logical explanation as to why the plan or idea is flawed, backing up your claim with evidence and reasoning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ill-conceived" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying a noun to describe something (like a plan, idea, or strategy) that is poorly thought out or planned. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ill-conceived" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase to describe something poorly planned or thought out. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and provides numerous examples from reliable sources, primarily in news and media contexts. While versatile, its critical tone suits formal and professional settings best. For alternative phrasing, consider "poorly planned", "badly thought out", or "misguided" to fine-tune your message. When deploying "ill-conceived", ensure you justify your assertion with clear reasoning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poorly conceived

Synonymous, with a slight variation in wording.

poorly planned

Focuses on the lack of adequate planning.

badly thought out

Emphasizes the lack of careful consideration.

misguided

Suggests that the plan or idea is based on faulty reasoning.

short-sighted

Focuses on the lack of consideration for long-term consequences.

unwise

Highlights the lack of wisdom in the decision or plan.

flawed

Highlights the presence of defects or shortcomings.

imprudent

Indicates a lack of caution or foresight.

injudicious

Emphasizes the lack of sound judgment.

half-baked

Suggests that the idea or plan is incomplete or not fully developed.

FAQs

How can I use "ill-conceived" in a sentence?

You can use "ill-conceived" to describe plans, ideas, or strategies that are poorly thought out. For example, "The project was deemed ill-conceived due to its unrealistic goals".

What are some alternatives to saying "ill-conceived"?

You can use alternatives like "poorly planned", "badly thought out", or "misguided" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes a plan or idea "ill-conceived"?

A plan or idea is "ill-conceived" when it lacks proper planning, foresight, or consideration of potential problems. It often suffers from unrealistic assumptions or a failure to account for relevant factors.

Is it appropriate to use "ill-conceived" in formal writing?

Yes, "ill-conceived" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a professional and direct way to critique a plan or idea. However, always provide supporting evidence to justify your assessment.