Impolitic: meaning, definitions and examples

🙄
Add to dictionary

impolitic

 

[ ɪmˈpɒlɪtɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

social behavior

The term 'impolitic' refers to actions or behaviors that are unwise or imprudent, particularly in a social or political context. It often describes behaviors that could lead to unfavorable reactions or consequences. An impolitic remark, for instance, may offend others or create conflict. Using this term usually implies a lack of tact or diplomacy in a given situation.

Synonyms

imprudent, indiscreet, tactless, unwise

Examples of usage

  • It was impolitic of him to criticize the boss in front of everyone.
  • Making impolitic statements can damage one’s reputation in a political career.
  • Her impolitic behavior at the dinner party left guests feeling uncomfortable.

Translations

Translations of the word "impolitic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 impróprio

🇮🇳 असभ्य

🇩🇪 unhöflich

🇮🇩 tidak sopan

🇺🇦 непристойний

🇵🇱 niestosowny

🇯🇵 無礼な

🇫🇷 impoli

🇪🇸 impropio

🇹🇷 kaba

🇰🇷 무례한

🇸🇦 غير مهذب

🇨🇿 nezdvořilý

🇸🇰 nezdvorilý

🇨🇳 不礼貌的

🇸🇮 nepristojno

🇮🇸 ókurte

🇰🇿 әдепсіз

🇬🇪 არასასურველი

🇦🇿 nəzakətsiz

🇲🇽 impropio

Etymology

The word 'impolitic' originated in the early 19th century, deriving from the prefix 'im-' which denotes negation and 'politic', an adjective meaning wise or prudent in action. 'Politic' itself comes from the Latin 'politicus', which relates to public life or affairs of the state. The evolution of the term reflects a growing understanding of social and political dynamics, whereby the importance of tact and wise decision-making became more apparent. 'Impolitic', therefore, serves to denote behaviors that disregard these principles, often leading to social faux pas or diplomatic blunders. Over time, as civilization faced more complex social interactions, the use of this term expanded to encompass a broader range of unwise behaviors beyond just political contexts.