adjective
unwise
un-WYZE/ˌʌnˈwaɪz/
Showing a lack of good judgment.
Using the wheeled chair to reach the high shelf is unwise.
Etymology
“Not” plus “prudent” first described people lacking judgment or discretion. Applied to actions and plans, it describes choices that are not guided by sound judgment.
In context
justified, for when they had come into the drawing room after dinner Miss Rowly began: 'Stephen dear, is it not unwise of you to interfere in Mr. Everard's affairs?'
More examples
- Buying a car without a test drive seems unwise.
- She regrets her unwise decision to quit without another job.
- Ignoring the warning would be even unwiser than delaying repairs.
Forms
unwise · unwiser · unwisest
unwisely adverb — In a way that shows poor judgment.
Similar words
- foolish
- More strongly critical, suggesting a lack of basic sense.
- imprudent
- Emphasizes insufficient caution or care about likely consequences.
- shortsighted
- Specifically describes failing to consider consequences in the longer term.