imprudent

adjective

im·​pru·​dent (ˌ)im-ˈprü-dᵊnt How to pronounce imprudent (audio)
: not prudent : lacking discretion, wisdom, or good judgment
an imprudent investor
imprudently adverb

Examples of imprudent in a Sentence

It's politically imprudent to stir up such controversy during an election year. a very sweet girl, but so imprudent that no one trusts her with a secret
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office has charged 53-year-old Keith R. Clausen with one felony count of second-degree assault and one count each of fourth-degree assault and operating a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner that resulted in a crash, which are misdemeanors. Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2025 Things have been off the rails since in Charlotte, and Ball’s frequent injuries, combined with imprudent offensive stewardship, have been a primary contributor. Law Murray, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2025 Additional charges included negligently driving a vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner, endangering property, life, and person, as well as recklessly driving a vehicle in wanton and willful disregard for the safety of persons and property. Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025 Systemic risk: The combination of low interest rates and an expanding economy encourages speculation and imprudent risk taking. Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for imprudent

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin imprudent-, imprudens, from in- + prudent-, prudens prudent

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of imprudent was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Imprudent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imprudent. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

imprudent

adjective
im·​pru·​dent (ˈ)im-ˈprüd-ᵊnt How to pronounce imprudent (audio)
: not prudent : rash, unwise
imprudently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on imprudent

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