is ill-advised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is ill-advised" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a particular action or decision is not recommended or is likely to lead to negative consequences. Example: "Investing in that failing company is ill-advised, given the current market conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

But complacency is ill-advised.

The Guardian - Opinion

Writing lyrics by committee is ill-advised.

The Guardian

Certainly performing late Beethoven at this juncture is ill-advised.

The Washington Post

First, the outcome of the talks is ill-advised.

The Guardian - Opinion

Prescription for more than four years is ill-advised.

The New York Times

A transfer to another hospital is ill-advised.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Here's why it is ill advised.

The New York Times

The focus on television and movies is ill advised.

The New York Times - Arts

The problem is, pessimists think every change is ill advised.

Harvard Business Review

"This is a project Iran is ill advised to pursue," he said.

The Washington Post

Although these experimental results may be clinically considered, direct extrapolation to clinical infection rates is ill advised.

Journal of Orthopaedic Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is ill-advised", ensure the context clearly indicates why the action is not recommended. Providing specific reasons strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "is ill-advised" when a simple suggestion or alternative would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly critical or alarmist. Consider softer options when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is ill-advised" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a subject and expressing that a particular action or decision lacks wisdom and is likely to have negative consequences. As shown in Ludwig, it often follows a statement of a plan or action, serving as a strong warning or caution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

23%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is ill-advised" is a commonly used phrase serving as a predicate adjective, designed to strongly discourage a particular action or decision. Its usage spans various contexts from news to academia, but is most prevalent in news and media. Alternatives include "is not recommended" or "is inadvisable". According to Ludwig, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is correct. When using it, ensure clarity in stating why the action is discouraged. Avoid overusing it to maintain a balanced tone. Use this phrase when potential risks or negative outcomes warrant a strong cautionary statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not recommended

Replaces "ill-advised" with a more direct and neutral recommendation against something.

is inadvisable

Uses a synonym of "ill-advised" to maintain a similar level of formality.

is unwise

Substitutes "ill-advised" with a simpler term indicating a lack of wisdom.

is a poor choice

Replaces "ill-advised" with an evaluation of the action's quality.

is not a good idea

Offers a more colloquial alternative to "ill-advised".

should be avoided

Emphasizes the need to steer clear of the action in question.

is imprudent

Uses a formal synonym suggesting a lack of careful consideration.

is risky

Highlights the potential dangers associated with the action.

carries significant risks

Focuses on potential perils instead of general lack of good counsel

is a recipe for disaster

Focuses on the potential for catastrophic consequences.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is ill-advised" is used to express that a particular action or decision is not recommended because it's likely to lead to negative consequences. For example, "Investing all your savings in a single, unproven startup is ill-advised".

What are some alternatives to "is ill-advised"?

You can use alternatives such as "is not recommended", "is inadvisable", or "is unwise" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is ill-advised"?

It is appropriate to use "is ill-advised" when you want to strongly suggest against a particular course of action due to potential negative outcomes or risks. It's stronger than a simple suggestion and implies a degree of caution.

Is there a difference between "is ill-advised" and "is not recommended"?

While both phrases advise against something, "is ill-advised" carries a stronger connotation of potential negative consequences or lack of wisdom. "Is not recommended" is a more neutral suggestion, whereas "is ill-advised" implies a more significant reason for avoiding the action.