it is unwise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is unwise" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising against a particular action or decision that may lead to negative consequences. Example: "While the opportunity seems tempting, it is unwise to invest without conducting thorough research first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Lastly, as the study was not intended to assess task shifting, it is unwise to make any in-depth conclusions about its execution in relation to lay counsellors.

BMC Health Services Research

And I think it is unwise".

The New York Times

When you're diseased, it is unwise to abuse the shaman.

The New Yorker

But with tight votes it is unwise to make predictions.

The Guardian

But history suggests that it is unwise to bet on a 12-year economic expansion.

The Economist

If you are a star stuck in traffic, it is unwise to advertise the fact.

The Economist

And history shows it is unwise to rely too much on Carlos Zambrano.

The New York Times - Sports

Fischer's successful campaign against Grenell, however, suggests that it is unwise to underestimate him.

The New Yorker

"And the contractor is correct in explaining that it is unwise to nail through the flashing".

The New York Times

(How would this be leverage? It is unwise to follow Trump's logic too closely).

The New Yorker

But history suggests it is unwise to trust any politician's claim to be trusting the people.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is unwise", clearly state the potential negative consequences of the action being advised against. This provides context and reinforces the recommendation.

Common error

While "it is unwise" is generally acceptable, avoid using it too frequently in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "it's not a good idea" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is unwise" serves as a warning or cautionary statement. It functions to advise against a particular course of action due to potential negative consequences. Ludwig provides examples across diverse domains that showcase it as an expression of caution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is unwise" is a phrase used to advise against actions that may lead to unfavorable outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically sound and sees frequent use across diverse professional contexts, including news, scientific research, and business communications. While generally neutral, it leans toward formal, suggesting consideration before action. For more casual settings, simpler alternatives might be more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is imprudent

This alternative is a more formal and sophisticated way of saying "it is unwise".

it is ill-advised

This alternative suggests that the action has been considered and deemed not a good idea.

it is not recommended

This alternative is a more neutral and objective way to express that something should be avoided.

it is inadvisable

Similar to 'ill-advised', this word suggests a lack of wisdom in the proposed action.

it would be foolish

This alternative uses stronger language, implying a lack of intelligence in pursuing the action.

it is a bad idea

This is a simpler and more direct way of saying "it is unwise", suitable for less formal contexts.

it's a mistake

This phrase expresses a stronger sense of potential negative outcomes and consequences.

it is risky

This alternative focuses on the potential dangers or hazards associated with the action.

it is dangerous

This emphasizes a higher level of potential harm or negative repercussions.

it is reckless

This implies a disregard for potential consequences and a lack of caution.

FAQs

What does "it is unwise" mean?

"It is unwise" means that a particular action or decision is not recommended because it could lead to negative consequences or problems.

What can I say instead of "it is unwise"?

You can use alternatives like "it is imprudent", "it is ill-advised", or "it is not recommended" depending on the context.

How formal is the phrase "it is unwise"?

"It is unwise" is generally considered a semi-formal phrase. It is appropriate for professional and academic writing, but may sound somewhat stiff in casual conversation.

Is "it is unwise" the same as "it is foolish"?

While both phrases suggest that an action should be avoided, "it is unwise" implies a lack of good judgment, while "it is foolish" suggests a lack of intelligence or common sense. The latter carries a stronger negative connotation.