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
  • Jaynes pleaded not guilty Monday to a felony count of leaving the scene of an accident causing property damage of more than $10,000 and a traffic violation of careless and prohibited driving.
    — Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 29 July 2026
  • Myers, however, threw a careless hit that concussed Matty Beniers during his rookie campaign, and Kraken fans have long remembered that sequence.
    — Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 25 July 2026
Definition of careless
Adjective
  • Authorities say the employee who discharged the firearm has been charged with reckless conduct.
    — CBS News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Last week, Nolan-O’Slatarra’s family filed a summons with notice against Durnan in Manhattan Supreme Court, accusing him of assault, gross negligence, and reckless and wanton conduct in connection with the woman’s death.
    — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of reckless
Adjective
  • One of Gary Graves’ biggest strengths as a dramatist is that nary a word feels wasteful when written by him.
    — Charles Lewis III, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • In a statement, Huffines pledged to cut wasteful spending, protect state tax dollars and deliver property tax relief to Texans.
    — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of wasteful
Adjective
  • Ontario Premier Doug Ford said threats from the United States were unacceptable and shortsighted.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 July 2026
  • In my view, statements to that effect are shortsighted, prioritizing short-term social effects over more insidious and long-term issues, including addiction.
    — Emma Fenske, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Definition of shortsighted
Adjective
  • Arendt comes most fully alive, though, when Meyer lets her own extravagant, commanding voice carry the story forward.
    — David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Ric Flair is known for his flamboyant promos and extravagant pro wrestling career that included several world championship runs across multiple promotions at his peak.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 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 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on improvident

Nglish: Translation of improvident for Spanish Speakers

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