improvident

adjective

(ˌ)im-ˈprä-və-dənt How to pronounce improvident (audio)
Definition of improvidentnext
as in careless
not thinking about and providing for the future the improvident view that the wearing away of the ozone layer need not concern us

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of improvident So, yes, the judiciary can be a bulwark against improvident prosecutions. — John E. Jones Iii, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026 Then, there’s the waste that results from improvident eating habits. — Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 23 June 2025 Unsurprisingly, Peter proves to be nasty, brutish and improvident. — Joanne Kaufman, WSJ, 2 Dec. 2022 The history of emerging markets is full of imprudent investors as well as improvident borrowers. — The Economist, 5 Oct. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for improvident
  1. careless
  2. reckless
  3. wasteful
  4. shortsighted
  5. extravagant
Adjective
  • The driver, whose identity was not disclosed, was cited for careless driving, according to the news station.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Josh Hoover may have been a bit careless, but every game TCU has played this season is another painful example how badly both his old school, and coach, miss him.
    — Mac Engel October 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of careless
Adjective
  • The first and most urgent task will be ending the Iran war, a reckless and unpopular conflict that has become even less popular as Americans have felt its effects on their wallets.
    — MATTHEW DUSS, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Barnett is charged with second-degree arson, involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment in the case.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of reckless
Adjective
  • Proposition 41, which trailed slightly Tuesday evening, is framed as an effort to cut wasteful government spending and require audits of new special taxes.
    — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Her campaign focused on curtailing immigration, confronting China and cutting wasteful government spending.
    — Maham Javaid, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of wasteful
Adjective
  • The demand for local sea cucumbers, which get exported to China, is too high to sustain; there is also an ongoing battle between artisanal fishermen and those who use shortsighted methods to turn a quick buck.
    — Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Detractors attacked the moment with glee, but that viewpoint ends up being shortsighted.
    — Ken Makin, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of shortsighted
Adjective
  • Making her debut at the annual Los Angeles event to fundraise for the museum, the beauty mogul joined a starry crowd embracing all things glitzy and gloriously extravagant.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The funds were allegedly used to finance Hollywood films and extravagant purchases that included hotels, a luxury yacht, art and jewelry.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of extravagant

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Cite this Entry

“Improvident.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/improvident. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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