precipitate decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precipitate decision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decision made hastily or without careful consideration. Example: "The board made a precipitate decision to cut funding, which led to unforeseen consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Already, however, the government has shifted resources decisively towards older people through the precipitate decision to pour cash into the NHS.

The Economist

"If you make some precipitate decision or rule out one particular option, you will actually make the decision you would like to make impossible to achieve because of judicial review," he said.

The Guardian

Such is the lesson of the European Union's precipitate decision last February to turn its back on Austria, after an electoral stalemate had brought the far-right Freedom Party into the country's government.

The Economist

ALL litigation is a gamble, but the 50-1 potential return to 250,000 shareholders of Railtrack who could bring an action against the government for misfeasance (abuse of public office) looks irresistible.So far the government has stumped up nearly £500m (roughly £1 a share) to try to settle the dispute caused by its precipitate decision to put Railtrack into administration eight months ago.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Sleep disturbance is a symptom shared by all neurodegenerative, dementing illnesses, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and its presence frequently precipitates decisions to seek institutional care for patients.

Neurobiology of Aging

Which may have precipitated my decision to move to Newcastle, England".

The Guardian - Sport

"We are all interested in what precipitated the decision not to inspect the building," he said.

The New York Times

Simon's show is an attempt to call attention to the events that precipitated this decision.

The New Yorker

It was not clear what precipitated his decision to leave now.

The New York Times

Berkovits's changing his store's name to Herald the King of Jewellery precipitated a decision by the rabbinical court.

The New Yorker

It opens with a hurricane in Jamaica, which precipitates the decision by a colonial family to send its children to the safer haven of England for school.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "precipitate decision", ensure the context clearly indicates the negative consequences or risks associated with the hastiness of the decision. For example, specify the resulting problems or missed opportunities.

Common error

Avoid using "precipitous" when you mean "precipitate". "Precipitous" describes a steep drop or decline, while "precipitate" describes something done hastily or impulsively. Using "precipitous decision" is incorrect unless you're metaphorically describing a decision that leads to a steep and sudden decline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precipitate decision" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "precipitate" modifies "decision". It describes a decision made with undue haste and without careful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a valid and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "precipitate decision" is used to describe a decision made hastily, without adequate consideration. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use. Although relatively rare, it appears primarily in News & Media, as well as Scientific and Encyclopedia contexts. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly conveys the negative implications or risks associated with the rushed decision. Remember to avoid confusing "precipitate" with "precipitous".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hasty decision

Emphasizes the speed at which the decision was made, implying it might have been too quick.

Rash decision

Highlights the impulsivity and potential recklessness of the decision.

Overhasty decision

Similar to "hasty decision" but with a stronger emphasis on the excessive speed.

Imprudent decision

Focuses on the lack of wisdom or foresight in the decision.

Ill-considered decision

Stresses that the decision was made without sufficient thought or planning.

Snap decision

Indicates the suddenness and lack of deliberation in the decision.

Impulsive decision

Highlights that the decision was driven by impulse rather than reason.

Unthinking decision

Stresses that the decision was made without much thought or consideration.

Unpremeditated decision

Highlights the spontaneous nature and lack of prior planning behind the decision.

Premature decision

Emphasizes that the decision was made too early, before all the necessary information was available.

FAQs

What does "precipitate decision" mean?

A "precipitate decision" is a decision made hastily, without careful consideration or thorough planning. It suggests a rushed action that may lead to negative consequences.

How can I use "precipitate decision" in a sentence?

You might say, "The company's "precipitate decision" to lay off employees led to a decline in morale" or "The government's "precipitate decision" to increase taxes sparked widespread protests."

What are some alternatives to "precipitate decision"?

Alternatives include "hasty decision", "rash decision", "ill-considered decision", or "impulsive decision". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between a "hasty decision" and a "precipitate decision"?

While both terms describe quick decisions, "precipitate decision" often carries a stronger connotation of recklessness and potential negative consequences compared to a "hasty decision". A "hasty decision" is simply fast, while a "precipitate decision" is fast and potentially unwise.