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
  • As part of the plea agreement, the prosecution amended the first charge to reckless driving, second offense, and the second charge to a careless driving citation.
    — Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Steele accepted the reduced charge, along with a separate careless-driving citation, and suspended the athlete’s driver’s license for five years.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of careless
Adjective
  • Pearson faces charges of second-degree death by vessel, operating a vessel under the influence, reckless operation, operating without a safety certificate and failure to keep a proper lookout.
    — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The other two teens were charged with second-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree threatening and second-degree breach of peace.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of reckless
Adjective
  • Take a look at who is spending tax money responsibly — on ballfields, water-quality projects, help for victims of crime, no-kill animal shelters and other popular priorities — and who is being wasteful.
    — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Republican response But conservatives said those policies inflated enrollment by attracting fraudulent and wasteful coverage.
    — Christine Mai-Duc, NPR, 23 Aug. 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
  • As the Times report noted, the Met Gala, an extravagant event held in tandem with the Costume Institute’s spring show, is typically held on the first Monday in May.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • But there was a twist, gaining access to the yacht’s extravagant amenities wouldn’t be so simple.
    — Peter White, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of extravagant

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improvident
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Cite this Entry

“Improvident.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/improvident. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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