precipitous decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precipitous decision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decision made quickly and without careful consideration, often with negative consequences. Example: "The board made a precipitous decision to cut funding, which led to unforeseen challenges for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

When Catherine breaks off their affair, however, Samar makes the precipitous decision to change his life.

The New York Times - Books

"But we do not believe that it is in our interests to make a precipitous decision or determination to change our assistance program right away".

The New York Times

On the security front, the Russian leader demonstrated in Canada last month that Moscow is seeking to line up Western allies against what Russia fears could be a precipitous decision by the United States to pursue national missile defenses.

The New York Times

"We are concerned that a precipitous decision to deploy would adversely affect U.S. relations with China," the group says in a letter to be issued on Thursday, "by unnecessarily increasing tensions between the two countries and provoking a series of negative steps by China that would undermine American security".

The New York Times

Does the person sitting beside [the president] at the White House know?" Corker compared Trump's change of heart in signing a temporary spending bill to his "precipitous" decision Wednesday to pull U.S. troops out of Syria, which the senator warned will have a far more significant long-term impact.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Boris Johnson has been reported this morning to have warned against the 'hasty, rash, precipitous' decisions of cyclists themselves for putting their lives in danger.

Independent

"If people don't feel so overwhelmed, they don't feel pushed into precipitous decisions that can't always be reversed".

The New York Times - Health

Rhett (Rhett Wilkins) specializes in precipitous decisions — like marrying a woman (Julie Fischer) he meets during a stopover at an independent movie theater — and passionate, impractical statements of principle.

The New York Times

Those who expressed opinions about how investors might best approach the market now were unanimous in urging caution, avoiding precipitous decisions at an emotional time when the economy is already teetering on recession.

The New York Times

Given the role corporations now play in political campaigns, political action committees, business associations, lobbyist firms, and special interest organizations, we can explain the steady stream of ethical reprimands, indictments, convictions, and precipitous decisions not to stand for re-election that are a result of this corrupting political process.

Huffington Post

Importantly too, despite press portrayals of precipitous professionals, decisions about the child's future were within normal timeframes and entirely consistent with good practice.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "precipitous decision", ensure the context clearly indicates the negative consequences or potential risks associated with the decision's hastiness.

Common error

Avoid using "precipitous decision" simply to mean 'fast decision'. The term carries a connotation of recklessness and potential for negative outcomes due to a lack of careful consideration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precipitous decision" functions as an adjective-noun combination where the adjective 'precipitous' modifies the noun 'decision'. This indicates that the decision was made hastily and possibly recklessly. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "precipitous decision" is a valid and correct way to describe a decision made hastily, recklessly, and without sufficient consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s often used to express concern about potentially negative outcomes. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. Alternatives like "hasty decision" or "rash decision" can be used, but it is important to remember that "precipitous decision" carries a strong connotation of potential negative consequences. Therefore, ensure the context warrants this level of concern when using the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hasty choice

Highlights the speed at which the decision was made, possibly overlooking important factors.

rash judgment

Emphasizes impulsivity and a lack of forethought in the decision.

unconsidered judgment

Stresses the absence of thorough consideration before making the decision.

ill-considered action

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

reckless call

Implies a disregard for potential risks and consequences.

imprudent determination

Stresses the unwisdom and lack of caution in the decision.

abrupt resolution

Emphasizes the sudden and unexpected nature of the decision.

unwise resolution

Highlights the lack of wisdom and potential negative outcomes.

snap verdict

Suggests a quick and possibly unfair judgment.

knee-jerk reaction

Indicates an immediate and unthinking response to a situation.

FAQs

What does "precipitous decision" mean?

A "precipitous decision" refers to a decision made hastily and without careful consideration. It often implies that the decision was made recklessly and may lead to negative consequences.

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

You might say, "The company's "precipitous decision" to lay off employees led to a decline in morale" or "The government made a "precipitous decision" to cut funding for education despite warnings from experts."

What are some alternatives to "precipitous decision"?

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

Is "precipitous decision" always negative?

Yes, the phrase "precipitous decision" almost always carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the decision was made too quickly and without enough thought, potentially leading to undesirable results. While a fast decision may sometimes be necessary, calling it "precipitous" emphasizes its potentially harmful nature.