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
  • She was involved in a bankruptcy case in 2013, arrested on suspicion of careless driving in 2021, and arrested in 2023 on suspicion of domestic violence and battery.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Digger follows greedy, careless Digger as his company inadvertently catalyzes a disaster with global repercussions—then, whoopsie, sets off another for good measure.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of careless
Adjective
  • He was placed under arrest and charged with first-degree arson, first-degree reckless endangerment, first-degree criminal mischief and interfering with an officer.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
  • This reckless negligence was palpable at Bagram Air Base, where troops left an ocean of trash in the wake of their messy departure.
    — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of reckless
Adjective
  • Supporters say the measure aims to cut wasteful government spending by requiring audits for new state special taxes.
    — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Congressional Republicans got rid of the EV tax credit last year after long arguing that markets, not the government, should influence what Americans drive, and dubbed the tax credit wasteful spending.
    — Willa Rubin, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of wasteful
Adjective
  • The two murals lasted until the ’80s and ’90s, and replacing them was a mistake that’s only looked more shortsighted over time.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The notion that families should provide care without additional support is unrealistic and shortsighted, especially for families of people with highly complex medical or behavioral needs.
    — Barbara Merrill, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of shortsighted
Adjective
  • The blue carpet at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles was a sea of extravagant and unconventional ensembles featuring plenty of fur, feathers, and fringe.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Yet the brand’s spring 2027 collection didn’t take second place to the extravagant little details founders Corrada Rodriguez d’Acri, Delfina Pinardi and Maria Sole Torlonia added to their seasonal presentation.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of extravagant

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improvidence
improvident
improving
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Cite this Entry

“Improvident.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/improvident. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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