imprudent

USAGE SUMMARY

"imprudent" is a correct and commonly used word in written English.
It can be used to describe a thought, decision, or action which is not sensible or wise. Example sentence: His imprudent investment decisions cost him his entire savings.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The question "Do we listen inside our borders?" was seemingly reduced to "Are we going to listen at all?" At this point, a vastly imprudent US administration intervened.

The Guardian - Tech

They are doing this because they have been presented with a mission by an extraordinarily imprudent US administration, which – having failed to prevent a very serious attack on civilians at home, largely by ignoring warnings – decreed that it would never again be put in a position where it "should have known".

The Guardian - Tech

Even when a picture or opinion is imprudent or tasteless, unless it directly incites violence it should not be banned.

The Economist

Mr Brown has been criticised for his "Stalinist" approach to government and much else besides, including an imprudent public-spending spree and the damage he has done to the pension system.

The Economist

It is imprudent because history suggests that coddled banks, supported by regulatory fiat, tend to be weak ones (ask the Japanese).

The Economist

Appropriate rules on capital buffers would reduce the dependence on socially imprudent private investors, who have encouraged growth without regard for the impact on clients.

The Economist

Noting the island's "dreadful aridity" in the midst of an immense ocean, he blamed the ancestors of the island's inhabitants, who had cut down the trees.Those imprudent ancestors have become symbols for mankind's short-sighted carelessness with his environment.

The Economist

As other pacemakers were developed, this approach was quickly deemed imprudent.

The Economist

It is unfair to give so much money back to the rich, he argued; it is also imprudent to tie the government's hands when expenditure is so unpredictable.

The Economist

If imprudent economies seek cash from the rescue fund, they will have to import discipline from a body that specialises in imposing it.But this will surely not be enough.

The Economist

The combination of imprudent lenders, inexperienced borrowers, weak supervision and a booming economy proved fatal.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "imprudent" to describe actions that lack foresight or careful planning. This helps emphasize the avoidable nature of the negative outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "imprudent" when you mean "improvident". "Imprudent" means lacking wisdom or good judgment, while "improvident" means not having or showing foresight; spendthrift or thoughtless. While both suggest negative consequences, "improvident" specifically relates to financial recklessness or a lack of preparation for the future.

Linguistic Context

The word "imprudent" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something lacking in wisdom or discretion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes actions, decisions, or thoughts lacking sense. Many examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in modifying 'administration', 'economies', and 'lenders'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "imprudent" is a versatile adjective used to describe actions or decisions lacking wisdom and foresight. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered a correct and commonly used word. The examples from Ludwig show it appearing frequently in News & Media and Science, with a neutral to formal register. When using "imprudent", ensure it accurately reflects a lack of good judgment and potential negative consequences, and avoid confusing it with "improvident". Consider using synonyms like "unwise", "foolish", or "rash" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unwise

A general term for lacking wisdom or good judgment.

foolish

Implies a lack of common sense or intelligence.

rash

Suggests acting without considering the consequences.

injudicious

Highlights a lack of sound judgment.

ill-advised

Indicates that the action or decision was a poor choice.

careless

Emphasizes a lack of attention or concern.

indiscreet

Focuses on a lack of tact or discretion.

reckless

Suggests a disregard for danger or consequences.

short-sighted

Implies a failure to consider the long-term effects.

thoughtless

Highlights a lack of consideration for others or the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "imprudent" in a sentence?

You can use "imprudent" to describe actions or decisions that are unwise or lack good judgment. For instance, "It would be "imprudent" to ignore the warning signs."

What are some synonyms for "imprudent"?

Synonyms for "imprudent" include "unwise", "foolish", "rash", and "reckless".

Is "imprudent" a formal or informal word?

"Imprudent" is generally considered a formal word, suitable for professional or academic writing. In informal contexts, words like "silly" or "foolish" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "imprudent" and "unwise"?

While both "imprudent" and "unwise" suggest a lack of good judgment, "imprudent" often carries a stronger connotation of risk and potential negative consequences. Unwise is a more general term for a poor decision.