as in inappropriate
showing poor judgment especially in personal relationships or social situations
an ill-advised criticism of the boss at a company function
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 ill-advised
They’re further complicated by the fact that the United States’ infrastructure has glaring weak points, making the simplest solution of hauling more weight ill-advised at best.
—
Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 4 Feb. 2026
To be sure, some of these divestitures and breakups follow deals that seem to have been ill-advised from the start.
—Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2026
In fact, reconciliation was often ill-advised, especially if offenders had not expressed remorse or commitment to any type of meaningful change.
—Richard Balkin, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026
After a few run-ins like this, Scott even invites him to one of his games (an ill-advised — but in this case successful — attempt to win over a gay guy).
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ill-advised
Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 4 Feb. 2026
To be sure, some of these divestitures and breakups follow deals that seem to have been ill-advised from the start.
—Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2026
In fact, reconciliation was often ill-advised, especially if offenders had not expressed remorse or commitment to any type of meaningful change.
—Richard Balkin, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026
After a few run-ins like this, Scott even invites him to one of his games (an ill-advised — but in this case successful — attempt to win over a gay guy).
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ill-advised
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ill-advised
Adjective
-
Weisz aces the slapstick comedy of being hot and bothered in an inappropriate setting.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Kamlager-Dove said Noem’s lack of a direct answer raised concerns about her having an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate and showed a lack of judgment in national security decisions.—
Andrea Castillo,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Collectively, these offices have saved taxpayers millions of dollars by identifying improper spending, correcting internal controls and preventing future losses.—
Vaughn Stewart,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Testing your soil pH is important because improper soil pH can hinder nutrient absorption.—
Rita Perwich,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
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
Adjective
-
The reality is that reconciling a relationship is not just difficult, but sometimes inadvisable or dangerous, especially in cases involving harm or trauma.—
Richard Balkin,
The Conversation,
26 Jan. 2026
-
The Beers Criteria, a directory of drugs often deemed inadvisable for older adults, recently published recommendations for alternative medications and nonpharmacological treatments for frequent problems.—
Paula Span,
Miami Herald,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
These injudicious, blunt-force tariffs do get undone almost as quickly as they are slapped on, thank heavens.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
25 Jan. 2026
-
So maybe use the feelings aroused by your sister-in-law’s thoughtless, certainly injudicious, possibly naughty remark as an opportunity to rise above.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
22 Oct. 2024
Adjective
-
As history and multiple legal settlements have shown, granting additional authority to the NYPD is unwise.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
1 Mar. 2026
-
There is an awareness that emptying the regular-season tank to win the division would be unwise, that building toward their best hockey for April is a smarter play.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
These people out here are stupid.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Besides, each unmasking is stupid and anticlimactic in its own way.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This careless exploitation of the heavens above is a real danger to us all.—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
6 Mar. 2026
-
The Scott County Attorney said the man behind the wheel received a $100 citation for careless driving.—
Ashley Grams,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ill-advised.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ill-advised. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
