imprudent
im-PROO-dunt
/ɪmˈpruː.dənt/
Not showing care for the consequences of an action; rash or unwise.
Focuses on lack of foresight, financial carelessness, or poor risk management.
The story behind the word. Formed from Latin 'in-' (not) + 'providens' (foreseeing/looking ahead). It literally means 'not looking ahead', describing someone who charges forward without checking what danger lies around the corner.
Word relationships
- foolish: Foolish is general; imprudent specifically highlights lack of caution regarding future consequences.
- reckless: Reckless implies dangerous, wild disregard; imprudent implies poor planning or bad judgment.
- prudent: Prudent means acting with or showing care and foresight for the future.
- cautious: Cautious emphasizes careful avoidance of potential hazards.
Commonly confused with
- impudent: Impudent means rude, disrespectful, or cheeky; imprudent means lacking caution or foresight.
Word family
- imprudence (noun): Rashness or lack of caution.
- imprudently (adverb): In an imprudent or rash manner.
- prudent (adjective): Wise and cautious.
Collocations
- imprudent decision
- imprudent investment
- highly imprudent
- imprudent behavior
Example sentences
- "Investing your entire life savings in a single unproven stock is exceptionally imprudent." Financial advisory
- "It was imprudent for the general to attack without securing a reliable supply line." Political history
Memory hook
An IM-PRUDENT person lacks PRUDENCE (foresight) and makes bad choices. Lacking foresight.
When not to use
Do not use to describe simple lack of intellectual capacity; imprudent specifically addresses foolish choices.
Fun facts
- The root 'videre' (to see) inside imprudent is the same root found in 'video', 'vision', and 'provide'!
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