adjective
imprudent
im-PROO-dunt/ɪmˈpruːdnt/
Not showing sensible care in action or judgment.
Reaching across the candle for loose papers is imprudent.
Etymology
Prudens describes someone who sees ahead; its negative meant 'not foreseeing' or 'heedless.' Calling conduct imprudent connects failure to anticipate consequences with a lack of sensible caution.
In context
this imprudent step though we were sensible that it would probably deprive us of that fortune
More examples
- He made an imprudent investment without reading the terms.
- It would be imprudent to ignore the warning.
- Her imprudent remark revealed confidential information.
Forms
imprudent · more imprudent · most imprudent
imprudence noun — lack of sensible care
Similar words
- reckless
- Reckless suggests disregard for danger; imprudent can be a less extreme failure of judgment.
- unwise
- Unwise is general; imprudent especially concerns failing to consider consequences.