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.
She was officially charged with a DUI and DWI, 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. Esther Kang, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025 However, in almost one-third of states, including California and New York, annually spending more than 7% of an endowment’s fair market value, measured by a three-year average, is presumed to be imprudent. Ellen P. Aprill, The Conversation, 21 Apr. 2025 The implication was worrisome: although common sense and careful official planning dictate a process to prevent an imprudent and impulsive president from starting a nuclear war, there is nothing stopping a determined president from overriding it. Richard K. Betts, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2018 Ultimately, trying to peel Russia away from China is both imprudent and wrong. Michael McFaul, Foreign Affairs, 4 Apr. 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 3 May. 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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