unthinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "unthinking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that does not think before acting or that is not thoughtful. For example, "The unthinking driver sped off without checking for other cars on the road."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Financiers are unthinking brutes, whose obsession with numbers is a form of autism.

The Economist

If thought leadership arises only from this part of the firm, are all the other consultants unthinking followers?

The Economist

Yet if you probe the tempting statements, they often fall apart.The experience of reading the book is curiously unthinking.

The Economist

It takes confidence for consumers to take out loans to buy houses or cars, on the assumption they will be employed long enough to pay the money back.A lot of that confidence is unthinking.

The Economist

Tories also accuse the BBC of unthinking leftiness, a charge the UKIP leader is taking a step further.

The Economist

A few were clever, most were unthinking.

The Economist

In his search for the diaries of ordinary people, Finkel has found that many potential historical treasures have disappeared, discarded or destroyed by unthinking mourners or removal men.

Independent

How superior this way of thinking was, compared to Isaac Newton's declaration that he would "not define Time, Space, Place or Motion, as being well known to all" (quoted in Bridgman 1927, 4)! Bridgman felt that all physicists, including himself, had been guilty of unthinking extensions of concepts, especially on the theoretical side of physics.

SEP

But, argues Parmenides, the only way to make sense of this proposal is to assume that thoughts are unthinking, an assumption that is also absurd in itself.

SEP

Action which occurs without deliberation — unthinking action — is not an act of will and hence is not free.

SEP

Contrary to the crudeness of commonplace vulgar picturings of Freudian analysis as an irrationalist, neo-romantic psychology of the unruly natural depths, the unconscious is not the id, namely, an anarchic seething cauldron of unthinking animalistic instincts (i.e., something unstructured).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unthinking", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Does it primarily indicate a lack of consideration for others, impulsivity, or simply a failure to engage in critical thought? Choose synonyms or related phrases accordingly for greater precision.

Common error

Avoid using "unthinking" as a blanket term for negative behavior. Specify the nature of the lack of thought, such as "unthinking cruelty" rather than just "unthinking action".

Linguistic Context

The word "unthinking" primarily functions as an adjective. It is used to describe nouns, indicating a lack of thought, consideration, or awareness. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showcasing examples where "unthinking" modifies nouns like "brutes", "followers", and "mourners".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "unthinking" effectively describes a lack of forethought, consideration, or awareness in actions or decisions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used, especially in news, science and encyclopedia contexts. While alternatives like "thoughtless", "inconsiderate", and "careless" exist, choosing the right word hinges on the specific nuance desired. Use "unthinking" when emphasizing the absence of active thought but be mindful of potential overgeneralization and strive for precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thoughtless

Emphasizes a lack of consideration for others' feelings or the consequences of one's actions.

inconsiderate

Highlights a disregard for the needs or feelings of others.

careless

Suggests a lack of attention or caution, potentially leading to mistakes or harm.

rash

Implies acting impulsively without proper deliberation or planning.

impulsive

Focuses on acting on sudden urges or desires without forethought.

heedless

Indicates a lack of awareness or attention to warnings or potential dangers.

insensitive

Highlights a lack of emotional awareness or empathy towards others.

mindless

Suggests a lack of intellectual engagement or purpose in an action or behavior.

unreflective

Implies a failure to examine one's own thoughts, feelings, or actions critically.

indiscreet

Highlights a lack of tact or judgment in revealing sensitive information or behaving in public.

FAQs

How can I use "unthinking" in a sentence?

You can use "unthinking" to describe actions, decisions, or behaviors that lack proper thought or consideration. For example, "The "unthinking driver" caused an accident" or "His "unthinking remark" hurt her feelings."

What are some synonyms for "unthinking"?

Alternatives to "unthinking" include "thoughtless", "inconsiderate", "careless", "rash", and "impulsive". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "unthinking" and "thoughtless"?

Both "unthinking" and "thoughtless" suggest a lack of consideration, but "unthinking" focuses more on the absence of active thought, while "thoughtless" emphasizes a lack of concern for others' feelings or the consequences of one's actions.

Is it ever appropriate to use "unthinking" in formal writing?

Yes, "unthinking" is appropriate in formal writing when used to accurately describe a lack of forethought or deliberation. However, consider whether a more precise term like "unreflective" or "inadvertent" might be more suitable in an academic or professional context.