precipitous conclusion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precipitous conclusion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a conclusion that is reached suddenly or without careful consideration, often implying that it is hasty or rash. Example: "The committee reached a precipitous conclusion about the project's viability without fully analyzing the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Some New Data and a Plea Against a Precipitous Conclusion, 62 Ky.L.J. 681, 694—696 (1974).

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Combing through the latest research in psychology and neuroscience, Fine concludes that "the sheer complexity of the brain lends itself beautifully to overinterpretation and precipitous conclusions.

The Guardian

Conclusion: Precipitous reductions in blood pressure are ameliorated by decreasing the initial nifedipine dose to ≤0.25 mg/kg in pediatric patients.

The Journal of Pediatrics

A common conclusion after the precipitous drop from nearly to $50 to almost $33 was that speculators had been shoved out of the market.

Forbes

The uncomfortably high number of bee deaths eludes the kind of definitive but potentially reckless conclusion that could result in precipitous regulations.

Huffington Post

Reflecting back on his company’s precipitous fall from power, AT&T's chief technical officer, Hossein Eslambolchi, draws a simple conclusion: It is just the beginning.

Forbes

It was a precipitous fall.

The New York Times - Sports

Their fall has been precipitous.

The Economist

Perspicacious or precipitous?

The New York Times - Tech

Fertility decline is not some precipitous event.

The New York Times

Monsignor Wallin's fall seems precipitous.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "precipitous conclusion", ensure the context clearly indicates that the conclusion was reached hastily and without sufficient consideration. This phrase is most effective when criticizing or cautioning against rash decision-making.

Common error

Avoid using "precipitous" simply to mean 'significant' or 'large'. "Precipitous" specifically implies a sudden and potentially dangerous decline or rush, not just any change in magnitude.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precipitous conclusion" functions as a noun phrase, where "precipitous" modifies the noun "conclusion". According to Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English to describe a conclusion reached suddenly or without careful consideration. This implies a judgment or decision.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

17%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "precipitous conclusion" describes a conclusion reached hastily and without due consideration. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in written English. While the phrase is not very common, it's primarily found in neutral to formal contexts such as academic papers, news articles, and scientific publications. It serves to express concern or criticism about decisions made without adequate thought. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the lack of deliberation. Alternatives like "hasty judgment" or "rash decision" can be used depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hasty judgment

Emphasizes the speed and lack of deliberation in forming the judgment.

rash decision

Highlights the imprudence and potential negative consequences of the decision.

ill-considered decision

Focuses on the lack of careful thought and planning behind the decision.

premature judgment

Indicates that the judgment was made before all the necessary information was available.

snap conclusion

Implies a very quick and immediate conclusion, often without much thought.

unsubstantiated conclusion

Highlights the lack of evidence or support for the conclusion.

knee-jerk reaction

Suggests an automatic and unthinking response, often emotional.

jump to conclusions

An idiomatic phrase indicating a quick and often incorrect inference.

reach a quick verdict

Focuses on the speed with which a decision or judgment is reached.

impetuous determination

Emphasizes the impulsive nature of the determination.

FAQs

What does "precipitous conclusion" mean?

A "precipitous conclusion" refers to a conclusion that is reached too quickly and without careful consideration, implying it may be rash or ill-founded. It suggests a lack of thorough analysis or deliberation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "precipitous conclusion"?

Use "precipitous conclusion" when you want to emphasize that a conclusion was arrived at hastily, possibly leading to negative consequences. It's often used in critical contexts or when cautioning against rash decisions.

What are some alternative phrases to "precipitous conclusion"?

You can use alternatives such as "hasty judgment", "rash decision", or "ill-considered decision" to convey a similar meaning.

How does "precipitous conclusion" differ from a regular conclusion?

While a conclusion is simply an end result or judgment, a "precipitous conclusion" specifically highlights the speed and lack of deliberation involved in reaching that conclusion. The term "precipitous" adds a negative connotation, suggesting potential risks or errors due to the hasty nature of the decision.