ill-conceived idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"ill-conceived idea" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe an idea that is poorly thought out or lacking in good judgment. An example: "The proposal was an ill-conceived idea that failed to address the main issues." Alternative expressions include "poorly thought-out notion" and "badly planned concept."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"It's an ill-conceived idea.

The New York Times - Sports

Though well-meaning, this is an ill-conceived idea.

The New York Times

"What really failed was this ill-conceived idea that a grand coalition produces grand solutions.

The New York Times

Roger Pielke Jr explains why he thinks this is a shortsighted and ill-conceived idea.

The Guardian

"Taking out the better part of downtown for this ill-conceived idea will be the death knell for downtown".

The New York Times

It was an ill-conceived idea the first time around, and a year's worth of fermentation hasn't improved it any.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

"People can have so many ill-conceived ideas about me based on the parts that I play.

The Guardian - Film

It's oddly comforting to know that there were still people willing to say no to Jackson's ill-conceived ideas at the height of his fame.

The Guardian - Music

Venture capitalists have taken much of the blame for fueling the Internet bubble by backing so many ill-conceived ideas at inflated prices and then, when the market for initial public stock offerings slammed shut, ruthlessly pulling the plug on their hopeful entrepreneurs.

The New York Times

To maintain credibility, ill-conceived ideas need to be acknowledged, too.

Forbes

Even the best businesses are pivots from initially ill-conceived ideas; they're failing because of lack of execution".

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When criticizing a plan or proposal, use "ill-conceived idea" to clearly and directly express your opinion about its lack of viability or soundness.

Common error

While synonyms for "ill-conceived idea" exist, using excessively formal or complex alternatives in everyday conversation can sound unnatural. Stick to "ill-conceived idea" or a simpler synonym in most contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ill-conceived idea" functions as a noun phrase, where "ill-conceived" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "idea". It describes the quality or nature of the idea, indicating that it is poorly planned or flawed. Ludwig confirms that the structure is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Opinion

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ill-conceived idea" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a poorly planned or flawed concept. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news reports to everyday conversations. While synonyms exist, "ill-conceived idea" remains a clear and direct way to express criticism or disapproval of a particular plan or suggestion. Remember to use this phrase when you want to clearly express that an idea lacks viability or soundness. Its frequency is significant, indicating its widespread use in English writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Poorly thought-out plan

Focuses on the lack of careful consideration in the planning stage.

Misguided notion

Emphasizes the flawed or erroneous nature of the underlying belief.

Unsound concept

Highlights the lack of a solid foundation or logical basis.

Badly planned scheme

Stresses the inadequate organization and preparation.

Flawed proposition

Indicates a fundamental error or weakness in the suggestion.

Defective strategy

Draws attention to the shortcomings and ineffectiveness of the approach.

Injudicious proposal

Highlights the lack of wisdom or good judgment in the recommendation.

Unwise course of action

Emphasizes the imprudence and potential negative consequences of the chosen path.

Half-baked scheme

Implies that the scheme is incomplete and not ready to be implemented.

Shortsighted approach

Focuses on the lack of long-term vision and potential future problems.

FAQs

What does "ill-conceived idea" mean?

An "ill-conceived idea" refers to a plan, project, or notion that is poorly thought out, impractical, or unlikely to succeed due to flawed planning or judgment.

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

You can use "ill-conceived idea" to criticize a plan or proposal. For example, "The project was an "ill-conceived idea" from the start and never had a chance of succeeding."

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

You can use alternatives like "poorly thought-out plan", "misguided notion", or "unsound concept" depending on the specific context.

Is "ill-conceived idea" a formal or informal phrase?

"Ill-conceived idea" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and everyday conversations.