imprudent

adjective

im·​pru·​dent (ˌ)im-ˈprü-dᵊnt 

: not prudent : lacking discretion, wisdom, or good judgment

an imprudent investor

imprudently adverb

Synonyms of imprudent

• improper
• inappropriate
• injudicious
• unwise
• inadvisable
• careless
• indiscreet
• stupid
• tactless
• indelicate
• ill-advised

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

The grand jury also charged Talley with a misdemeanor count of operating a vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner — stunt driving. —Robert A. Cronkleton march 24, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2026

Since that time, Johnson and CTU have failed time and again to convince a school board in which 11 of 21 members are appointed by the mayor to back them on a number of fiscally imprudent proposals. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026

If a cost is found imprudent, it is rejected. —Rory M. Christian, New York Daily News, 24 Jan. 2026

That’s imprudent, because the Arctic’s climate is changing more rapidly than anywhere on Earth. —Paul Bierman, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for imprudent

• impudent
• prudent
• student

Kids Definition

imprudent

adjective

im·​pru·​dent (ˈ)im-ˈprüd-ᵊnt 

: not prudent : rash, unwise

imprudently adverb