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.
Fiduciaries who fail to meet their obligations may face personal liability for losses incurred by the plan due to imprudent decisions or conflicts of interest. True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 The interest and usage would be narrow, and somewhat imprudent other than for basic research pursuits. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 She was 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. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 28 Feb. 2025 On March 19, 2024, Huger was charged with a DUI and DWI on the counts of: 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. Gabriela Silva, TVLine, 26 Feb. 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 11 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

imprudent

adjective
im·​pru·​dent (ˈ)im-ˈprüd-ᵊnt How to pronounce imprudent (audio)
: not prudent : rash, unwise
imprudently adverb

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