impulsive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'impulsive' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person who acts on instinct or desires without thinking. For example: "She is very impulsive; she often makes decisions without considering the consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Above all, that giving the arts a chance to be excellent – and we are talking of chance, of risk, of the variable, the impulsive, the uncertain, the irrational, the uncalculated, the shocking – depends on allowing the arts to talk of what they do, argue for what they do, justify what they do and explain what they do in their own terms.

The Guardian

Yet no club is more impulsive, more impatient and more prone to the pañolada, the mutinous waving of white hankies, than their great rivals.

The Guardian - Sport

In a statement, rebel commanders said "the peace process whose advances have activated hope for reconciliation should not be put at risk" by what they said was the "impulsive" decision to suspend the talks.

The Guardian

Not only are these feelings brief, but the dopamine surge also encourages addiction and impulsive behaviour.

The Guardian

Such challenges render him subject to impulsive behaviour and poor decision-making at times of stress and threat.

The Guardian

My youngest daughter is tortured by her angry and impulsive nature and really wants to understand why she is as she is.

The Guardian

Previous studies have suggested that employees who are not well integrated in the workplace are more at risk of developing problematic patterns of alcohol consumption, a trend also seen in individuals who are more genetically prone to impulsive and risk-taking behaviour.

The Guardian - Money

But others worry about Mr Orban's impulsive and headstrong habits.

The Economist

No, Tudor England, at the time when a gifted, impulsive young man called William Tyndale arrived in London not to make his fortune, but to transform the relationship between ordinary people and the written word.

The Economist

Others believe they are impulsive and lack self-control.

The Economist

But, Mr Becker points out, these new lines of credit help workers cope with income shocks.Young consumers who take on debt are often classified as impulsive and irresponsible.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "impulsive", provide specific examples to illustrate their behavior, making the description more vivid and understandable.

Common error

Avoid using "impulsive" as a blanket term to describe someone's entire personality. Recognize that people can be impulsive in certain situations but not in others. Be specific about the context in which they exhibit this trait.

Linguistic Context

The word "impulsive" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a tendency to act on sudden urges without careful consideration. As noted by Ludwig, it accurately portrays behavior driven by transient feelings rather than reasoned thought.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "impulsive" is a versatile adjective used to describe actions or individuals prone to acting without careful thought or planning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts. The analysis reveals that while the term often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of foresight, it can also suggest spontaneity. From news reports to academic studies, and even business contexts, "impulsive" appears frequently, highlighting its relevance in characterizing behavior. Ludwig's examples show usage across reputable sources like The Economist and The Guardian. Synonyms such as "spontaneous" and "impetuous" offer related but distinct shades of meaning. When using "impulsive", it's important to provide specific examples to illustrate the behavior and avoid overgeneralizing its application to an individual's entire personality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spontaneous

Emphasizes acting on sudden urges or inclinations without premeditation.

impetuous

Highlights acting with sudden and forceful energy, often without thought.

rash

Focuses on acting too hastily, potentially leading to negative consequences.

unplanned

Indicates a lack of prior preparation or intention.

unpremeditated

Stresses the absence of forethought or deliberation.

extemporaneous

Highlights being done, said, or performed without preparation.

capricious

Suggests sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.

whimsical

Implies acting on a sudden desire or change of mind, often in a playful or fanciful way.

heedless

Emphasizes a lack of attention or concern for the consequences.

thoughtless

Focuses on a lack of consideration for others or the potential impact of actions.

FAQs

How can I use "impulsive" in a sentence?

You can use "impulsive" to describe someone who acts without thinking, such as: "She made an "impulsive decision" to quit her job" or "He has an "impulsive nature"".

What is a more formal synonym for "impulsive"?

While "impulsive" is generally acceptable in most contexts, a more formal synonym could be "impetuous" or "unpremeditated", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "impulsive" and "reckless"?

"Impulsive" implies acting without thinking, while "reckless" suggests disregarding potential dangers or consequences. A reckless action is often also "impulsive", but an "impulsive" act isn't necessarily reckless.

Is it always negative to be described as "impulsive"?

Not necessarily. While "impulsive" often carries a negative connotation, it can also suggest spontaneity and a willingness to embrace new experiences. The context determines whether it's perceived positively or negatively.